We live our lives in many seasons: times of joy and celebration; times of hard work, successes, and failures; times of peace and growth; … and times of cave-dwelling – seasons of slogging knee-deep through the miry pits, surrounded by questions, darkness, and despair. We don’t understand; but then, we’re not supposed to. After all, God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours.
I have friends who have faced some terrifically sad and daunting situations over the past few years: among them, the loss of a child, a spouse, or a parent; the break-up of a long-term marriage; serious financial decisions and difficulties; and frightening pain and life-threatening or debilitating illnesses.
Several years ago a former minister preached a sermon on the good things that have happened in caves. Since it was an Easter sermon, I couldn’t imagine where he was going with this idea; however, I’ve never forgotten the gist of the sermon. He cited the stories of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead; of Daniel in the lion’s den; and of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. He ended the sermon with the reminder that Jesus was buried in a tomb but overcame the tomb and death with His resurrection. What magnificent images!
When circumstances make cave-dwellers of us, the Enemy laughs and rejoices because of our struggles with our faith. We have trouble trusting God and leaning on Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
If you’re in a cave or life deals you a hand that puts you there, place your focus on Jeremiah 29:11, where God tells us, ”For I know the plans I have for you,” … “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
If you’re unable to leave the “cave” by yourself, I pray that somewhere in your community of faith during this Lenten season, there is a “cave-blaster” who will show up and help you discover your way back to the Light.
Written by Glenda Self
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