God has meant this trial to strengthen my faith, to drive me deeper into His heart, and to expand my empathy. I’ve bonded with other parents whose kids are going through difficult times, and I can better relate to those in pain. I have a list of prodigals for whom I daily intercede. My prayer life has made a quantum leap, and I’m slowly learning the secrets of finding refuge in God alone.
Occasional short-term disruptions have occurred in my ministry, but the long-term benefits have already indirectly touched my congregation. I’m exceedingly eager to fully emerge from the valley but, until then, God will not abandon me, nor will His promises fail. Sometimes I must minister in sheer faith, preaching when my own heart is breaking and comforting others when I’m the one in greater need. Amy Carmichael put it well when she described the panicked disciples on the waters of Galilee.
Looking back on that night the most vivid memory must have been, not the darkness or the weariness, not the great wind and the rough sea, but the blessed Morning Aid that came before the morning. Let us not make too much of the storm in the night. . . . The wind was contrary unto them then, perhaps it is contrary to us now. But just when things were hardest in that tiredest of all times (between 2 A.M. and 6 A.M.), just then, He came.
The Lord is near. Even when we feel unable to minister to others, He can minister through us. And that’s the way it should be, anyway.15.