Wow. Can I just praise the Lord for Tuesday night bible studies!? How cool is it that our bible study about the noise in our lives fits right in with what our pastor has been preaching on (hearing, listening, and obeying God's voice)!? You KNOW that's the work of the Holy Spirit!
Well, I think I had a "wow" moment tonight. Wow moment = time during the day/week that God just really wow-ed you (per Charleston Outreach 2001). Well, I was driving home from visiting my my parents and my dad's parents -who are visiting for the week. Earlier that evening, someone hit a nerve, and I had one of those "emotional pop-up windows" -you know the ones -you can't minimize or close out, you just have to deal with them. It came out of nowhere. Right when I got into my jeep, I started crying.
Anyway, as I began to drive, I realized that I was very angry and bitter over something that happened in my past. I've never dealt with it, and I've never given it to the Lord. I just tucked it away somewhere, and it rears its ugly head whenever it wants. I've never forgiven and I've never forgotten. As I thought about it, I became more and more angry and hurt from a wound that never really healed.
Then, I remembered that God wants to speak to me amidst the noise, through the noise of my life. He wants to speak to me in the silence. So, I cleared the "noise" in my head. I heard the Lord tell me to "count it all as joy." He said that I should surrender it to him and he would give me the "peace that passes all understanding." I said, "Lord, I'm hurt, and I want justice." He said "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
So, I did. I counted it joy, and was given peace -almost immediately. If any of you know me, you know that once I start crying the waterworks don't stop very easily (over-active tear ducts). Seriously though, it was surprising. After I stopped crying, I almost felt invigorated...almost like I'd just been in a battle. Of course! Spiritual warfare! Wow! In the 7 minutes it took me to get home, I had fought with rulers, powers, world forces of darkness, and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12)! Praise the Lord! He is worthy!
So, that was my "wow moment" of the week. Then again, it's not over yet. I have another battle to come, and I'm waiting on a word from the Lord. Pray for me to be a good listener, to recognize the voice of the Lord, and to obey Him when He speaks. Thanks for your prayers and support. In Him- Mary Swanson
