I was reading from Ether this morning. The account of the Jaredite's barges being driven by winds to the promised land.
The Jaredites are told to build water-tight vessels to cross the water with, and enter into them, "commending themselves unto the Lord their God." (Ether 6:4)
The verses following struck me.
Paraphrasing:
"...the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow...towards the promised land.
when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again...the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land...and they did sing praises unto the Lord...did thank and praise the Lord all the day long...and the night...because of the multitude of his tender mercies."
So here are these families who have left everything they are familiar with behind them. For 344 days they are tossed to and fro, buried in the depths of the sea and driven forth by the wind--and they rejoice in it!
They found joy in the journey. They recognized the mercies of the Lord during the trial.
They saw the Lord's hand during their suffering, not just after.
It is easy to get upset when the Lord sends wind our way. But without wind, our boat never moves--we don't reach our promised land. We have to have the wind. And in recognizing the purpose behind the wind, and He who provides it-we find joy and peace in the journey.
I love this verse from the hymn Be Still My Soul:
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
I'm grateful for the wind in my life...
6 comments:
I just love this post. I love getting a daily dose of inspiration from you.
I needed this post today. Just a few things have "blown" my way lately and I have felt small and diminished and all around frustrated. I find myself easily forgetting to take joy in the journey. Thanks for the reminder.
Hi Hillary. Hope you're having a fantastic day.
This post reminds me that "hanging in there" makes it difficult to progress. Progression must be constant. I appreciate your words and the reminder to look for the sunshine, whatever may come our way.
Hillary,
You never cease to amaze me!
I wouldn't wish what you are going through on anyone, however, the growth that you are experiencing is incredible. You are being stretched in ways I'm sure you never imagined.
I miss being there terribly! I miss taking care of my "boys". I appreciate the opportunity of coming out there and growing closer to Colton. Janelle is usually the one he always wants and it was nice to have him want "Bonka". I sure miss that little pill!!! I miss coming to the hospital to see you and have the chance to visit with you. I truly believe that you will make the 34 week mark, the Lord willing.
Love you and miss you!
You know your words help me throughout my everyday life that might not be for some people but it is for mine We love u Hillary and I know that you and this precious baby will make it Shiloh will be a very healthy baby. I strive every day to be like you. We pray and hope for the best every day Hill love u hope u get to feeling better now that u have your slur pees =) -Derek
Love your post Hillary! I've been thinking lately how I really need to focus on being positive and happy amidst the challenges. We all will face challenges, none of us are immune, but with the Lord's help we can not only face them but overcome them and be better because of them. Trials refine us that's for sure. I'm so happy to hear that you are still there and that you got to have family with you over the weekend. Just seeing them had to give you an "up" for the rest of the week.
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