Is this the death of a dream or the deepening of a relationship?

“Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4, (underlines mine)

Sometimes it feels like death — or is it that I am not trusting?

Or perhaps, is it a door to something I cannot imagine? Maybe it will deepen my relationship with God; maybe it will deepen my relationship with my husband, or with you. All good.

Naion has been part of our life for almost a year. My husband, developed this condition in both eyes last spring.  Yes, we pray God, please restore Bill’s vision. And like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego testified in Daniel 3, we live in the tension of “our God whom we serve is able … But if not …” verses 17 and 18.

In our current reality of but if not, God has encouraged me with the familiar verbs in Psalm 23:4.

Walk — Don’t run, Sue; walk. Walk through it. Be present to the reality it offers you. “… just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 Sue, this is an opportunity to live, to walk in the new life I have birthed in you.

I will fear no evil — These words leave me with a question, Sue, do you really believe that the
“… will of God is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2. If I do believe it, than there is no need to fear. And the changes Naion is bringing to us are good.

You are with me — God is present; God is aware; God is whispering truth; God is encouraging.
“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?” Deuteronomy 4:7. God is near; He is walking with me.

They comfort me — Those instruments used for correction, protection, and direction, those things we may think of as harsh, God uses as a comfort. They communicate to the sheep that the shepherd knows and is prepared for any potential danger — even in the darkest of valleys. And the sheep trust their shepherd. Ahhhh, the comfort. Sue, are you willing to trust me, your shepherd in this Naion valley you are walking in?

Two weeks ago we were privileged to go on a MercyMe at Sea Cruise. MercyMe gave three concerts and shared a lot of their stories. Their lyrics are filled with the grace of God. Bart, the lead singer shared the story behind his song, Even If. Click here to listen to his story, hear the song, and be encouraged in the midst of your hard. (You can skip the ad in 4 seconds.)

He speaks of his son Sam who was also on the cruise. The last evening 17 year old Sam played his guitar and sang for us, Because He Lives, a powerful testimony and more so because we knew Sam’s story.

Even though Naion is our reality, it is not death, it is deepening.

Next Thursday: Healing the Blind