I met this young lady in class about 2 years ago and we seemed to really connect. Each semester she would be in one of my classes and even though we didn’t hang out outside of school, there was still a friendship brewing. When I looked at her I didn’t see that she had been dealing with dialysis and was in the need of a kidney transplant. When I looked at her I didn’t see the struggles she faced trying to raise a family and attend school. When I looked at her I didn’t know if she was in pain because it never showed. All I knew was that God had placed us together for a specific reason and I am thankful that he did. Why? Because it reminded me, that although you, see someone’s glory, you don’t know their story. Although you see me smile on the outside, I am crying on the inside. Although you see me living on the outside I am slowly dying on the inside.
I got a call from my friend early this morning and she left a voicemail to let me know that she was having the kidney transplant today. When I heard her say the words, tears welled up in my eyes because I know some of the struggles she has faced to get her. From having dialysis 5 times per week and still maintaining or having a surgery scheduled only to get to the hospital to find out your insurance company cancelled you. But that was God’s way of saving, it isn’t your time. Yet, she held on. I called her back and left her a message to let her know that God was working this thang out! I prayed for God to guide the hands of the doctors & nurses so that she can have a successful surgery. I’m not worried because I know that God is in that operating room as we speak and to me that’s good news!
See, you may be facing some trials and tribulations in your life right now but your life isn’t over. You can be going to work every day with a smile on your face all the while your checking account is in the negative and your rent is due. You can be smiling at church on Sunday only to go home to an abusive spouse. You can be the life of the party only to go home contemplating suicide. You can help everybody that calls only to be one check away from eviction. I may see your glory but I don’t know your story! You can volunteer every time somebody calls but never get an answer when you call. You feed folk that are hungry but don’t have an appetite! You offer a place to sleep for anyone that ask, but can’t find rest for yourself. I may not know your story but I know the author!
When the first chapter of your book started, it started off with a promise of storms. For Job 5:7 says, “But a person is born for trouble as surely as sparks fly up [from a fire].” But if you read on you’ll find comfort in knowing that even though the rain comes, you’ve been promised an umbrella to cover you while you go through. 2 Samuel 22:3, “my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.” When it feels like you are drowning, God said he’ll be your rock! When it feels like you can’t face the world, God said he’ll be your hiding place and a protector from trouble (Psalm 32:7). When it feels like there is darkness everywhere, God said I’ll be your light in dark places (Psalm 27:1). When your body is weak, God said he would be your strength (Exodus 15:2).
So, you have to go through this life’s journey in order to fill the chapters in your book. You have to face the enemies that have been placed in your path; sickness, death, being lied on, talked about, used, abused and scorned; in order to have testimonies. There is no way you can have a testimony without a test. The first 4 letters of testimony is TEST (Taking Every Storm Tastefully)! Haven’t you realized the devil doesn’t bother you when you already down? That’s because while you’re down he is counting you out, [1, 2, 3 …….], because he has already claimed defeat over your life. But oh, thank God that even though he may knock us down he doesn’t get the KO victory because God steps right in before the 10 count and picks us back up. See, God doesn’t mind you crying while you’re down because I’ve found that tears are liquid prayers that get through when you can’t say a word and God doesn’t mind the silence while you’re down because then you can hear him more clearly, just as long as you get up victorious.
Get up with your arms high claiming the victory over your circumstance. Say, I may be temporarily out of funds now but it won’t last. Say, I may be without a car now but it won’t last. Say, I may be without a job now but it won’t last. Say, I may be arguing with my spouse now but it won’t last. Say, I may be sick now but it won’t last. Say, I may be grieving now but it won’t last. 2 Corinthians 4:17 states “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Isn’t that worth shouting about? All the troubles that we face now are just preparing us for what God has already promised!
I may not know your story but I can guarantee that it will be a best seller! So, go on through the pain and the hardships that life throws at you because you have a shield that’ll protect you each time. You may come out with a few scars but take a picture of them and put them in your book because they’ll add meaning to your story!
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 “
Lakisha, the Author 