Just Resting.

I know I posted this devotional several months ago, but as I read through my journal yesterday it stood out to me again. As I have always said, in this part of life it's all a process... the heartache, the memories, but now, some joy. Not for any particular reason; I'm not kidding: nothing extraordinary has happened. But, for a few days now I have found myself, "resting, resting, in the joy of what Thou art; finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart." And, this devotional gives particular encouragement in the hope that these experiences, this array of genuine emotion, will someday help another young woman. And, as always, may Jesus use the broken pieces, but leave the scars to be a testimony of His faithfulness, glory and grace.

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The son found himself in a barren place.

His Father said, "In this place I will give you the peace you are longing for. Here I will give you spiritual food that will nourish you. You are always with Me---no

Then the Father, with great gentleness dres the son to Himself. Quietly he said, "I am the one who allowed you to come into these humbling circumstances and who allowed you to hunger. I did this so that I might feed you with manna---My bread from heaven.

"Only in this way could I help you to know that you cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from My mouth."

. . . Later still, the son wondered why one like himself, who was so richly fed and cared for at times, should at other times feel so poor and needy and thirsty.
His Father replied by asking four questions:

"Can someone who has never thirsted know how precious is My living water?

"Can someone who has never discovered rivers of these living waters flowing on barren heights---can he ever lead his thirsty friend to those rivers?

"Can someone who has never walked the deep valleys of the spirit help a friend who is fainting---or lead this friend to the well-springs that will save the life of his soul?

"Can someone who has never seen burning sands in the wilderness turn into a refreshing pool---can he speak in praise of My marvels, or My power?


I Come Quietly to Meet You, Amy Carmichael