Jesus showed up today. I hoped He would, but even so, I was a little bit surprised. Jesus loves to surprise us, though, doesn't He? There I was, tearful and tender. I was so fearful to share my heart, but feeling the subtle nudging to open up. I didn't want to be vulnerable and expose my deepest emotions. I was afraid to share the real me – the weak, helpless and broken, me. The me who didn't have the answers. But, the word I've been focusing on this year is courage, and so I trusted that God would help me. I sat there on the couch with my computer perched upon my lap, my fingertips hovering above the keyboard and I nervously decided what to do. I hesitated and then, He gave me a little push, and I hit “post”.

I tried not to think about it as I got ready for bed. I figured it was done and now God would decide who would read it. Maybe, I thought, someone, somewhere could relate to what I wrote. Maybe my struggle could somehow encourage someone else. Maybe, just maybe, my heart would feel a little bit better if other people knew.

And then today, He came. He didn't come in a clap of thunder or a flash of lightning. He didn't come in a shiny package made to amaze and impress. But instead, He came quietly and calmly. His peaceful, comforting presence came
through you when I opened up my computer again. Oh my goodness, how He has blessed me today! I received a comment of encouragement beneath the post I had written, and then, soon afterward another one. And then more. I started receiving e-mails, many from people I didn't even know. But each of them was allowing Christ’s love to reach out to this hurting mom on the other side of the screen.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, 
just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Jesus’ steady footsteps continued throughout the day and I am overwhelmed! Thank you, dear friends! You have helped me more than you know and more than I can even express. I am so grateful! Today, my heart is warm and my hurt has the amazingly soothing balm from the Lord upon it. After reading your stories and receiving your encouragement forged from the pain of your own experiences, I am confident that the Lord is doing a good work here. I am looking to Him with hope, knowing that His plan is far better than anything I could ever think up myself. And, I am thanking Him for the joy of friendship which comes sometimes when we least expect it but need it the most.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion 
and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort 
those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

So thankful,

If you would like to read the post which inspired this one, you can find it here: Peeling Back a Layer or Two

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19 Comments

  1. What an amazing promise from God we have Joan! He is looking out for us, to bless us and provide for us in every area of our lives, and to keep us safe and secure in His love. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, and they are full of affection, care, and loving interest. Praying that God continues to wrap you in His loving embrace and sooth away your hurts dear friend.

    Blessings and bunches of hugs!
    Denise

    Have moved again (hope this is permanent now!) http://refinemelord.com/

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  2. Yes, God is so good! Right when I think I can't take it anymore, He covers me with love. I am trusting Him for what ever He has planned for me and am so thankful for His watchful eye! Thank you for your love and friendship, Denise!


    Blessings, Joan


    P.S. I'm excited to check out your new blog!! Here I go...

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  3. God is the best encourager! I love how He knows just when I need a hug. I am trusting Him for His plan, knowing that He loves me and will never leave my side!

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  4. I'm so glad you were blessed after the sharing. You did a brave and good thing to bare your emotions. I pray you'll continue to feel free to do that whenever you need to. We appreciate your honesty because we all have pain and it's a little easier when we bear it together.

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  5. Joan, I had a friend teach on Isaiah 41:31 - But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.


    She shared that we like to focus on soaring on eagle's wings, and by God's grace we do sometimes. But we need to read the rest of the verse God is also being faithful on the days when we only have strength to keep moving forward . . . somedays we walk, some we run, and some we soar but God is always with us.


    Thank you for sharing your heart. You are a blessing to so many.

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  6. Yes, community is so important! God doesn't want us to be isolated and alone. He created relationships to be an encouragement to each other! What a blessing!

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  7. Thank you, Lisa! It is hard to open up when the wounds are raw, but God is showing me that when we do, it gives the opportunity to connect in new ways. I am so grateful for this online community and how God is blessing me daily through each person!

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  8. That is so good to remember...God will help us every day and give us exactly what we need to keep going. I'm looking forward to soaring high on wings like eagles, but for today, I am more than blessed to be walking beside him with His strength surrounding me!!


    Blessings, Joan

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  9. What a blessing to have God wrap Himself around you through the hands and feet of His people! We aren't meant to carry our burdens alone.

    Thanks for linking up at Thought-Provoking Thursday! :)

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  10. So thankful my friend. So thankful He met you in this way.

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  11. So many of my favorite surprises are people I have met through blogging. Sisters of the heart, like you, are a true treasure. Lyli is right, we are meant to share both joy and sorrow.Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

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  12. Oh, Shelly! I'm so glad to hear from you! I read on FB that your surgery went well and I am praising God for it! Meeting people like you online has been (and is!) one of my greatest joys!! Thank you for your friendship!! Love you, too!


    Blessings, Joan

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  13. Hi Barbie! I have felt the true blessing of His love and comfort through the encouragement of this online community! I love how He works, don't you? Blessings to you for a joyful weekend!

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  14. I love thinking of you receiving the encouragement you bless others with. Praying with you.

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  15. :-) Thank you, Pamela!! That's really sweet of you to say. And...I am still feeling the blessings that I wrote about there. God is so good and His love is so faithful!

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  16. Obedience yields the greatest, most rewarding results, doesn't it?? Love to you!! ♥

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  17. Oh yes, it definitely does! When we step out in faith, the blessings just keep on coming! I'm trusting Him! Blessings, Joan

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  18. Thinking of you and your beautiful heart and happen to make my way to this post again. And maybe it's becaude I'm still in awe of how He keeps showing up for me in the way of friends like you. It brings joyful tears. Love you sweet friend.

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  19. Oh, thank you, Beth! I am amazed as well! When God shows up, there is no mistaking it, is there?! Thank you for reaching out through the computer to encourage me. Even before I wrote this post, getting to know you has been such a blessing! I am so glad that God brought us together! In Christ's love, Joan

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