Taken Aside by Jesus

[lynnmosher]

Have you ever had a really deep, dark struggle in your life? I found this hiding in a dark corner of my computer, long since forgotten. It came at a time in my life when I truly sought the Lord. Out of that time of struggle came this piece, which I offer for the comfort of another. I pray the Lord will touch your heart in a positive way through this page of my life.

Taken Aside by Jesus

“He took him aside from the multitude.” (Mark 7:33a NKJV)

Oh, from these bars of confinement that have shut me in, I cry out to God. From this darkness that surrounds me, it seems as though all is lost. Yet, I know all things are sifted through the loving fingers of my precious Lord. Wishing to commune with me, He allows this thing to touch my life right now.

As I feel the sting of heartache and loneliness, the restlessness of discontent and frustration, the anguish of defeat and helplessness, He withdraws me from the busyness of the world that I may be still before Him and wait.

Hidden from everyone’s view, tears quietly stream down my cheeks, but the Lord sees my aching heart, and with His nail-scarred hand, He wipes away my tears. “Nearly all God’s jewels are crystallized tears,” someone once said.

Too many voices clamor for my attention. My ears, wearied from the noise of the world, impatiently wait for the comforting sound of His voice. All things fall by the wayside when the indescribable Still Small Voice whispers ever so quietly to my listening soul.

The Lord “takes me aside from the crowd [privately]” into absolute aloneness with Him, that I may listen only to Him. His words of love and comfort speak thunderously in this solitude. It is from here that I must search for His loving purpose.

The Lord’s purpose in taking me aside is never immediately discerned. However, getting my attention and bringing me into a deeper relationship with Him is always His will in my blackest hours.

When the darkness and loneliness loom endlessly, they yet result in the richest and most rewarding of all spiritual experiences, for it is then that I see my darkness is but the overshadowing of the wings of the Lord. It is then I await the radiance of His glorious light to fall from heaven that I might behold my precious Savior.

As dew is quietly dispensed in the gloom of night, so the Holy Spirit comes to silently distill His peace and comfort. In waves of coolness, He breathes upon me like a refreshing wind.

Just as the countless grains of parched, desert sand crave rainfall, this dry and dusty mortal vessel yearns for those Living Waters provided only by the Lord. Then His peace pours forth as an endless river, rushing over me to cleanse away all that would obstruct my view of Him. As I go to the Well, I drink in His Life and I am revitalized.

When I sing of His wonders and tell of His glories, my walls of confinement fade into nothingness. The way opens before me. In the darkness, I see His brilliant, glistening footsteps on the path before me as if sprinkled with the glitter of heavenly dust, and only the light of praise brings them into focus.

Not all my questions are answered nor all my longings appeased, but His gracious mercy provides the path of recovery to soundness, to wholeness, to a larger place, to Himself.

Maybe out of my desert, rivers of blessings may be poured out to other parched souls. I pray that freedom for others may come out of my confinement, that light for blind eyes may come out of my darkness, and that comfort for the hurting may come out of my loneliness.

It is for this that I praise Him for “taking me aside.”

[Sherry B]

Lynn,

Oh my, oh my. How you touched my heart. Taken Aside by Jesus is absolutely beautiful.

When the darkness and loneliness loom endlessly, they yet result in the richest and most rewarding of all spiritual experiences, for it is then that I see my darkness is but the overshadowing of the wings of the Lord.

Oh that I may remember these words when I am blinded with the blackness of despair.

In the darkness, I see His brilliant, glistening footsteps on the path before me as if sprinkled with the glitter of heavenly dust, and only the light of praise brings them into focus.

Such beautiful imagery. And truly we are to praise Him in all things. Now when I praise him in the midst of my sorrow, I will look for His footprints.

Thank you, Lynn, for sharing such a lovely piece.

Sherry B

[revterry]

Friend:

Many times over the years I spent in Pastoral ministry, I wonder how many times I dealt with a problem that may have been there; but it wasn't the most significant problem the person was dealing with? Thanks be to God, He always goes to the basement and works His way up. Lord, I pray that I can hear you when you invite me off to the side. Lord I pray that I won't be too proud to go.
Your article has motivated mr to write a short Sidney over in the poetry section.

Revterry

[lynnmosher]

Revterry, I'm glad it motivated you in some way. Thanks for the comment.

[mommyclay]

Beautiful. For me it came at an ideal time - as He works so often in my life. Today I was despairing of the isolation and loneliness and read your piece. It has touched me and He will continue to work in me all that is His will. Thank you for sharing it.

[Cymrugirl]

"As dew is quietly dispensed in the gloom of night, so the Holy Spirit comes to silently distill His peace and comfort. In waves of coolness, He breathes upon me like a refreshing wind."

From these breathtaking lines on, in particular, this sounds like a psalm to me. Truly beautiful!! and what a precious fingerprint to find in your spiritual history. I love finding gems like that - where the Spirit of God is so evident in the words I wrote privately that I first doubt they ever could have come from my pen. It's like a consummation of the first wooing begun at the hour he first moved on my soul to write.

I sense that His presence was overwhelming your heart as you wrote this.

[lynnmosher]

Cyrumgirl, Your beautiful comment touches my heart...how wonderfully said.

I love finding gems like that - where the Spirit of God is so evident in the words I wrote privately that I first doubt they ever could have come from my pen. It's like a consummation of the first wooing begun at the hour he first moved on my soul to write.

I sense that His presence was overwhelming your heart as you wrote this.

I agree most heartily with what you have said. I am humbled. And yes, He met me where and when I needed Him.

Thank you for taking time to read this and leave me a comment.

[lynnmosher]

Sherry, Forgive me...for some reason I overlooked responding to you. As always, you are so gracious and kind to me with your comments. Thank you.

[CJR]

"As dew is quietly dispensed in the gloom of night, so the Holy Spirit comes to silently distill His peace and comfort. In waves of coolness, He breathes upon me like a refreshing wind."

The imagery here is wonderful. May I share this in part or whole with others who are hurting?

Thanks
Craig Rucin

[Celestine]

Life with the Lord is a mystery which one discovers when the world is silent. And I have discovered that the word is silent when one is shut out in affliction, when world looses its grip over ones life.
Excruciating cancer pain woke me up by 1.00 midnight. I thought that was the end of the world. As I sat up, not wanting to disturb my wife with another of such numerous fits, I said, "Lord Jesus, I'm going to hold you tonight. If I'll die, I want to die holding you. If I'll live, I want to do so holding you." I held out my two hands and grabbed Him by the waist, holding tenaciously.
I woke up the next morning at 6.30. It was the most refreshing sleep I ever had since I was a baby.
I went through the rest of the experience with a smiling face, knowing He is nearest than I am to myself, knowing that my cries and worries are baseless when the Master Builder is working out a masterpiece. It is interesting to mention that the experience that stretched from 2001 to 2003 produced something more eternal in me. I've written about 4 books to edify the Body of Christ. I'm still writing. Praise the Lord!
God bless you Lyn. You struck a sensitive chord in my past.

[lynnmosher]

CJR, Thank you so much. Certainly, you may share this. That is the whole reason the Lord has desired me to write.

Celestine, Thank you for leaving a comment. May the Lord bless you with healing.

mommyclay, You have answered my prayer for I pray that whatever article or story I post will touch someone in a positive way. May the Lord truly bless you in your need.

[Tori Ann Dyslin]

"Just as the countless grains of parched, desert sand crave rainfall, this dry and dusty mortal vessel yearns for those Living Waters provided only by the Lord. Then His peace pours forth as an endless river, rushing over me to cleanse away all that would obstruct my view of Him. As I go to the Well, I drink in His Life and I am revitalized."

Beautifully written! As I read it I could feel the water rushing over me and refreshing me. Thank you for sharing.

[lynnmosher]

Oh, Tori Ann, you do my heart good! My prayer is working. I'm so honored that this touched you in a special way. Bless you for taking time to read this and leave a comment. Thank you so much.

[LDR]

I needed to read this this morning. Our world is very dark at the moment. Thank you!

Linda Dessolee Roth

[lynnmosher]

Oh, Linda, I am saddened to hear that, but I'm glad my piece was there for you to read. You know, God's light shines the brightest in the dark. Psalm 119:105 in The Message Remix says, “By Your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.” I will pray that God's light will shine brilliantly in your darkness and that you will be blessed.

[mommyclay]

I sing praises to the Lord for the ways He works. He touches us with seemingly random readings or songs or visits. He knows each of us and knows what we need when we need it. What others may see as a coincidence we who are His know to be His love. Lynn, He uses your words, and other words of other writers on this site to His glory.

[lynnmosher]

Oh, mommyclay, God is s-o-o-o good, isn't He? I've said it before and I'll say it again...whenever I post a piece, I always pray that it will touch the heart of those who read it. I love those times when God surprises me with a special message through something I read. I know what it can mean to others. Thank you for your precious words. Bless you!

[LDR]

Thank you, Lynn!

[ellenjames]

Lynn,
I loved this devotional writing! It is well-written and conveys a tremendous message. God is good, and even when we don't understand, he is working for our best. Are you going to have this published? That would be great; it would be a blessing to many people. !thumbsup!

Blessings,
Bertha
www.freewebs.com/wayber

[lynnmosher]

Bless you, Bertha, for your encouraging comments. I do hope to have it published. I just have to find the right outlet! Thanks so much for taking time to leave me a comment. It's truly appreciated.

[OneWay2Glory]

"Maybe out of my desert, rivers of blessings may be poured out to other parched souls. I pray that freedom for others may come out of my confinement, that light for blind eyes may come out of my darkness, and that comfort for the hurting may come out of my loneliness."

Oh, surely that is being accomplished. Thank you for sharing, not only an intimate piece, but a piece of intimacy you share with the Father. So many times we forget that while we're walking through the valley (walking through--not stopping!!), it's not merely for us to learn a lesson, but it's for the testimony we'll share with others to let them know that Jesus will see them through as well. Once again, thank you for sharing this, Ms. Lynn. Awesome piece!!

[lynnmosher]

OneWay2Glory, You have chosen an awesome username. It is that same glory that, as I continue to believe, He leads me to experience, as I go from one event in my life to the next, just as in the scripture below my signature.

Thank you for your beautiful words. They have touched me deeply on a day I truly needed to hear them. Bless you.

[Scotsman]

Lynn, we all know that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim 3:16-17)

I dare to say – this was indeed given by inspiration of God. The greatest Psalmist, King David, himself, would have loved to “authored” such.

May our Lord, the author of all life (including life-giving words), quickly show you where to submit this so others may also reap and be blessed.

[lynnmosher]

Oh, my, Scotsman, that gives me holy shivers. Wow! I am truly humbled. I take a bow...only in Jesus' name, for I know He guided my hand in this. It hasn't found a resting spot yet, but wherever the Lord leads...Thank you, once again, for your heartwarming comments. They mean more to me than you know. Bless you, my sweet friend.

[sistercharity]

Lynn

what a beautiful and descriptive way to share such an experience as you have here....Now I am the one with the water works, girl!! WOW!! What a fantastic expression of how a person can feel in the depths of despair, you are so gifted , for ,with your writings here and sharing Lynn, you have taken us through the steps of painful growth into maturity....

I love what you wrote, and I think each one of us, can relate to at least some if not all of what you shared here, Lynn, and so eloquently too...

OHHH Lynn, you are such a blessing...

Love in Christ
Sistercharity/Joyce xoxoxox

[lynnmosher]

I am truly humbled by your words. Thank you, my sweet friend, for your wonderful words. Bless you.

[Kevin]

This piece touches me as I emerge from a long fight with depression, not least because that "emergence" comes with a sense that the darkness of those days was necessary for me to see in new light what I'm being called to do and become. Thank you, Lynn, for putting so much heart into expressing that for us.
Kevin

[lynnmosher]

Oh, dear Kevin, you make my heart sad to know that you have suffered such a dark ordeal but you make my heart glad to know that you have come out of that long, dark tunnel and that my agony-turned-enlightenment-emerging-into-praise has blessed you. I give the Lord all the credit. I pray the Lord will bless you with an ever-increasing closeness of His presence and an enlightenment of His Word and His Spirit. Blessings on you.

[thayes]

Lynn,
I love to read something I can see in my mind's eye. To my misfortune, I have a very short attention span and when an article can keep me focused, it has to be something awesome.
It has a very transparent quality to it, and that is a gift. It drew me into my own issues and I was able to relate to the words.

Thank You!

[lynnmosher]

Oh, thayes, thank you so much for your generous words. You have made my heart glad. Bless you!

[Princess]

"Not all my questions are answered nor all my longings appeased, but His gracious mercy provides the path of recovery to soundness, to wholeness, to a larger place, to Himself."

Lynn, this is beautiful truth. May brothers and sisters in Christ not be quick with a scripture reference, a promise to pray soon forgotten, or a trite word, but rather remember that 'not all my questions are answered or all my longings appeased' and give thanks that even in our darkest times we have the guidance of the Good Shepherd who leads us on the narrow path towards the Light of Life. How womderful that you are able to comfort others with the same comfort you've received from Him.

Christine

[lynnmosher]

Christine, Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. You have touched my heart with your dear words. I truly appreciate it. May the Lord bless you.

[Hackett]

I just now read ..being taken aside.. it was lovely and refreshing and just as our Lord would orchestrate... I saw it on a day when I needed it most.

Already your words have encouraged many. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[lynnmosher]

Oh, bless you, Hackett. Thank you for your kind words. Don't you love it when the Lord surprises you with those little gifts of coincidences? And I will pray that the Lord will bring you peace and comfort for whatever you are going through. Blessings on you...

[D.E. Sharp]

Wow, what a wonderfully and fully chocked vision of a heart seeking refuge beneath His wings.

__________________________________________________ ______________
"The Lord “takes me aside from the crowd [privately]” into absolute aloneness with Him, that I may listen only to Him. His words of love and comfort speak thunderously in this solitude. It is from here that I must search for His loving purpose."
__________________________________________________ ______________
I long daily for those times, and that place of great solitude with the creator of the universe.

Thank you so much Lynn for sharing this with us/me......doug

[lynnmosher]

Thank you, Doug, for those gracious words. When I wrote that, my hand couldn't write fast enough. The Lord's hand was on my hand (hence, one of the reasons for the avatar).

I always pray about each piece I post, asking the Lord if I should post it, that whatever it is will be of comfort or encouragement to a seeking heart. I agonized over this piece, for I did not know how others would receive it. But the Lord said post it, so I did. It continues to amaze me how it affects others, but I take no bows. It is truly the Lord.

Bless you, Doug. I hope it touched your life in a positive way.

[owura]

I must confess that was an absolute masterpiece.This is certainly an article I would love to read over and over again.I am student in one of the universities in Ghana(Africa).By the grace of the Lord, I have formed o group called Friends of Christ Incorporated.We intend publishing a christian magazine that will circulate throughout various Tertiary Instotutions in my country.Would you mind if I borrowed your article for publicattion

[lynnmosher]

Owura, You have certainly blessed my soul. You bring tears to my eyes in praise to the Lord for what He is doing with this piece. You may certainly use this as long as you keep my name as the byline. What an honor! May your group be abundantly blessed of the Lord. Thank you so much.

[thayes]

Lynn,
Wow! What an honor, congratulations.
The Lord is so good. He had the perfect place for your article. Isn't it amazing how God works. In ways we couldn't possibly imagine!

[lynnmosher]

Through many tears, Tammy, I am attempting to write this and totally agree with you!!!

[Scotsman]

Lynn,

How can I express the joy I feel right now, right here? I can't. So, I'm going to ask our Father to express how joyful HE feels. When He accomplishes my request - you'll know.

[lynnmosher]

Sheesh! And I had just stopping crying and you started the waterworks all over again! You are such a precious and sweet man. I pray we someday meet. I'd love to thank you in person for all the wonderful encouragement you have been to me. My heart is so full of thanks to you that I cannot even express it in words. Bless you, my dear friend.

[Elysia]

This piece is so amazingly written- but I appreciate it because you touch each person's individual struggle without disclosing the details of your own. I have been in this place before- but I seem to understand the process a lot better after reading this. God bless you for writing and sharing this.

[lynnmosher]

Thank you so much, Elysia. I continue to be overwhelmed with amazement as the Lord works through this piece. I appreciate you taking the time to read this and leave me a comment. May the Lord bless you.

[owura]

Hi,haven't been able to get in touch for some time now;have been so busy with my semester exams.have still not recovered fom the wonderful impact "Taken aside by Jesus " had on me.I joined this great family recently, but can intuitively tell from the several reactions of people in connection with your celebrated article that you have a pedigree of always coming out with the best.That is exactly what the group I earlier on informed you about needs-articles that have the capacity of transforming the destinies of people.We should therefore be grateful if you would affiliate with us and stuff us with highly qualitative christian articles.my e-mail address is amofahbaafi@yahoo.com.hoping to receive your favourable response

[lynnmosher]

Owura, I cannot contact you. The email address you gave does not work. My email came back to me. You also have chosen not to receive any PMs so I cannot contact you there either. Please let me know how to contact you. Nevermind. Have found the problem.

[oscarin63]

By the looks of your responses your writing touched many hearts. For me it was too general. I'm not sure if you mentioned the dark secret. I think sometimes if we expose it it no longer has power over us. For example I went to a married couples retreat with my wife, here in PUerto Rico. The speaker was a dynamic and eloquent communicator. Her topic was intimacy and how many couples can be married for many years and not feel close. Well I shared how I had been a sexual addict for many years and how the Lord delivered me through prayer, discipline and of course therapy. And that because of that help I have great intimacy with my wife.When I opened up like this the speakers husband shared a similar story and that got the ball rolling for people to open up and after those encounters we were open,honest and vulnerable. Perhaps you should be more open. We feel shame about our past sometimes but when we share it the devil no longer has a hold on us.

[lynnmosher]

Thank you, Oscar for you viewpoint. I appreciate it. As you can tell by the many that resonded, they were each touched by the Lord in a different way in their lives. And that was the point. It was not a specific targeted trial or circumstance in one's life but a broad-spread feeling of outreach to those suffering in any way from those dark moments of despair that we all encounter, no matter what the experience. I hope this helps your understanding. Blessings to you...

[oscarin63]

Thanks for clarifying. I guess a writer can be just as effective being less specific. Very well done.

[lynnmosher]

Well, thank you, Oscar. My heart's desire is to be truly effective, as the Lord leads. Blessings...

[grimsleygl]

Lynn, how beautiful! Truly there is nothing like the presence of our God, and especially in "seasons of dryness" and the "dark night of the soul". Anytime at all of course, but during these time when we give in and give all...oh how sweet it is and you have expressed it in the words of your journal so clearly.

I feel that I know you so much better after reading your heart through your words.
Surely words are the window to the soul for writers. You have shared your soul with us. Oh thank you my precious sister and new writing friend!

[lynnmosher]

Oh, Gerrie, what a beautiful response. Thank you so much for your very kind words. I am humbled and honored to be called your friend. This just came to my mind...I love the beautiful story of Ruth. Her name in Hebrew means friend or friendship. Therefore, you have made me your Ruth. 'Friend' is also a covenant term and means, as we see in Christ, one who, as Solomon said, "sticks closer than a brother." As your covenant partner/friend, I bless you in the name of the Lord.

[grimsleygl]

Thank you Lynn. In the name of Jesus, I accept your wonderful blessing and am honored and humbled to be your Ruth and covenant partner as well. We truly are "one in the spirit!" Praise be to God.

[David McArdle]

Dear Lynn,

What a lovely article.

Not only do you write from the heart but you also write for the heart. Only someone with a Pastor's heart can pen these words

Thank you

David McArdle

[lynnmosher]

Wow! David, thank you so much for those very kind words. You touch my heart. Bless you!

[DeLelysj]

Lynn, I don't know what to say. This is so moving... There is only One who can inspire those Words!

Thank you Lynn,

FATHER BLESS You! jim aka 'speechless'

[lynnmosher]

And it was only the Lord that wrote this through my available fingers, pouring it into the depths of my soul. I am so amazed how many are touched by this. And to think, I also didn't post it for fear of how it would be received. That'll teach me! Thank you so much for your lack of words! LOL! Blessings to you, dear Jim.

[Filoli]

Lynn that is so uplifting. That is something I would like to share with my W2W (Woman2Woman) forum, with your permission, of course, and giving you credit. We share emails and inspiration books.

You would be an awesome speaker at one of our retreats.

I await and respect your reply.

Phyllis

[lynnmosher]

Oh, Phyllis, what an honor and great compliment. This piece is for others comfort and God's glory and if you would like to read it to them, you certainly may. Thank you so much.

[johnnyg67]

Lynn, I wish I could express my thoughts in such an eloquent manner. I'm sure your story will come back to comfort me during times of doubt or discouragement.
Thanks,
John Godfrey

[lynnmosher]

Thank you, John, for a very special comment. I pray that you would never have a need for this to comfort you! May the Lord bless you.

[Newsong]

No longer member.

[lynnmosher]

Newsong, I don’t know that even I can measure up to this piece. The Lord did it and every time someone comments on it, it totally blows me away. I think I mentioned in one of the above posts that I almost didn’t post it. It still amazes me how the Lord has used this piece. I stand in awe of His working and His hand on this piece. I thank you so much for your heartfelt words.

If you could only read my first writings…well, no, I wouldn’t want you to read them. LOL! They were terrible! I was scared silly to post my first works here. We all begin from the same starting point. I started to write only seven years ago and I am still learning. I don’t think a writer ever stops learning. You will grow just as the rest of us have and continue to do so. Just believe in yourself and the One Who has called you to write. You can do it!

[Newsong]

"Just believe in yourself and the One Who has called you to write."

Lyn, I read everything you wrote, but when I chanced upon this line, it choked me up. I knew the Lord was dealing with me yet again! I know one thing, it has to come through Him. When I used to be in ministry and would stand before people, I always prayed "Lord, fill my mouth with Your words, because if you don't, I won't have a thing to say". And as I recall, in my sense of complete inadequacy, HE always did speak through me. Many times I was amazed. And now I launch on a new adventure, asking the Lord to again fill me with His words so that I may write them for Him.

I just heard the Holy Spirit whisper: "Be Still and Know That I Am God"

and I again choke up and cry, knowing that He has again touched my heart and proved to me that I indeed am to write for Him. Amazing Grace! I Stand Amazed!

[lynnmosher]

I'm speechless! All the glory belongs to the Lord! Praise Him!

[Karen Jo]

Oh Lynn. I needed this today! Thank you and thank the Lord!

[lynnmosher]

Karen Jo, Praise the Lord that He has used this to touch your heart. Whatever your need may be, I pray the Lord will comfort you and answer your heart's desire.

[david.studio18]

When the darkness and loneliness loom endlessly, they yet result in the richest and most rewarding of all spiritual experiences, for it is then that I see my darkness is but the overshadowing of the wings of the Lord.
Oh my what a way you have with words, they were God breathed sister... keep inspiring us keep writing
David

[lynnmosher]

Thank you, David. This did flow from my Source of writing. I hope He allows it again. Bless you!

[fireNbones85]

What a wonderful article this is. Especially the part where you said "some of God's greatest treasures are crystalized tears". That seems so true.

The bible says that a shout is a shallow experience with God. The bible also says that there are some that will have faith and belief but shall not enter the gates of heaven because thou didn't know my father.

But you summed it up, when you said that God takes you aside. If he starts to take you aside, then you are getting to know him. I feel like everyday I need to pull closer, there will never be a time where I feel like I'm satisfied with my Jesus. Even when we get to heaven, we still won't know or understand his capabilities and measurements of mercy and love. Because you can't compare him to nothing.

What an awesome piece of writing, May the will of God flow through you
Ben

[revterry]

Friend: When our life is on a "Dead Run" it is hard for Jesus at times to keep up. Whose fault is that? It is ours. We must slow down!. There is so much Jesus can teach us about how to really live. One of the great sadnesses I have is that the church is slipping right back into the Instititutionalism of Jesus Day. It all has to do with Man's desire to create a faith that allows themselves to be who they are. Rather than who God wants them to be. What goes around, comes around. The Bible says Christ died "Once and for all",
But I wish He'd come again, to show us the way. Wait! He did. it is in the Gospels. We absolutely must stay in the Word!

Good writing. I am right with you.

Revterry

[lynnmosher]

Ben and Revterry, thank you both for your precious comments. You've touched my heart deeply. I appreciate it more than you know. May the Lord bless you both.

[Fran Pratt]

Dear Lynn,

What beautiful imagery. How deep the thoughts. How true the experience of agony. I am reminded that "brokenness is the way to blessing" (so said Charles Stanley some years ago) and I find this is only too true. Not one of the great overcomers of the Bible escaped being broken -- and neither will we! But as you maintain, God works a glorious transformation in us as a result of it. Thanks for your insights!

[lynnmosher]

Thank you so much, Fran, for those most precious words. You have touched my heart deeply. May the Lord bless you!

[BrendaJean]

Lynn, even though this has been available to read for awhile, I realize THIS is the day I am to read it! The article and many of the following comments were powerful... Thank you! I intend to point out this article to my friends' ... this will help them recover as today we buried their 2 yr old grand-daughter. They were blessed by the poem I wrote for them, and I know they will be encouraged by this writing as well..... once again, Thank you, and well-done! :o
Love you sister! GBKY
Bj

[lynnmosher]

BrendaJean, God's timing is always perfect. It always saddens me when parents must bury a child, no matter what the age. I pray this will bless them. I also have something else for you. I'll send it to you. Thank you for your precious words. Bless you!

[angeleyes]

That was very beautiful. It really ministered to me in things I'm struggling with right now. Thank you!

[lynnmosher]

Angeleyes, You have blessed my heart. As I have so prayed that the Lord use this piece, He continues to amaze me by each life He touches with my words. Thank you so much and be blessed!

[dramsey]

Hi,
It is strange that I found this story and saw the date that you posted it. I was on my mission trip to the Ukraine and if ever I was taken aside by Jesus, it was then. Not only was I taken aside, I was placed under His wings. While I was in the Ukraine I sang a song made popular by the Ruppes called "Under His Wings." this song talks about when we are in trouble or in danger, all we have to do is toget under His wings and He will keep us safe. I also can identify with this at a time in my life when it was in absolute shambles and my relationship with God was next to nothing. He directed me to the church that I am in now and not only did He take me aside, but He bathed my wounds and bound my spirit and gave me back my life and a promise that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I know this is late, but Thanks fo much for this writing. You have inspired me to really write what I feel and know. Dian Ramsey

[lynnmosher]

Oh, Dian, you bless my heart. Thank you so much for your kind words and I praise the Lord that He has used this piece to touch your heart. Be blessed in all things!

[adetokunbo]

this is what i need!!!!
i feel all alone , walking the path of 'not sures'
thanks for the article!!!
Im still holding on!

[lynnmosher]

Adetokunbo, Thank you for your comments. I'd like to encourage you to never give up. Hang on to the Lord with all your strength. May the Lord bless you with a deeper realization of His presence this day. Be blessed.

[babaharry]

Bless you for sharing your gentle and graceful words. It would flow so well as a poem, do you have a friend who could put your words to music?

God has given you a very precious gift, all the better for your sharing it with us.

Thank you . Clive

[lynnmosher]

Clive, Thank you so much for your generous comments. I've never thought of this in poem or song form. Interesting idea. I deeply appareciate you taking time to leave me such nice thoughts. May the Lord bless you.

[SonnyLuster]

So often it words like this, from the Word that lives in one that will have an impact on lives to transform, and to renew the minds of God's people that we will continue in the faith. continue to let Him use you to bless us!

[lynnmosher]

Sonny, Thank you so much for your kind words. You've touched my heart. May the Lord bless you.

[missverbose]

Thank you for sharing your heart in such a beautiful way. It reminds me of a time in my life several years ago when the Holy Spirit warned me standing in the middle of my kitchen that I was going to face "dark waters". And how very dark they were. Your desparate longing to not lose sight of God in the midst of your pain is confirmation of your surrender to Him in spite of your circumstances. One of my favorite verses in the Word is Psalms 118:5, "I cried out to you in my anguish and You answered me by setting me free." What a concept. We ask for one thing and He grants the only thing that truly matters. Thank you again for allowing yourself to be honest, authentic and real.

[lynnmosher]

Missverbose, I pray your dark water days have calmed. I'm so glad God gives us what we need rather than what we want! And I love that verse as well. Great! You are such a dear. My heart is touched by your generous comments. Thank you so much! Be blessed!

[clawmute]

Sadly - or not - our life here is composed of many dark episodes. It really is true, "life is what happens while we are making other plans". But we, like Peter say, "Lord you have the words of eternal life, where else can we go"?

When our beautiful 15 year old daughter was killed by a drunk driver I was able to stand by the gurney that held her cold lifeless body and say "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord".

He understands if we do not always rush or go willingly to where it is He is taking us. He understands. After all, the cross was a dark and forboding place. As Job said (paraphrase) "The things that I hated - that I would never have approached - have become as my sorrowful supper."

Encouragement of fallen hearts is a good occupation. All the prayers spoken to God are meaningless except those poured from your heart - the real prayers.

Frank

[lynnmosher]

Frank, Thank you so much for your comments. I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine losing my daughter to such a tragedy. May the Lord bring peace and comfort to you and your family.

[Pedro Von Smidt]

Dear Lyn, What you wrote I live, there is a deep, dark secret over my life that I do not understand at all. I wont go into details since no one understands or believes me, but the deepest, darkest thing in my life is to not have the one thing in life i ABSOLUTELY CRAVE and have a huge talent for, its not a ministry, its personal life stuff.Anyway, what you wrote I am still waiting for that moment for it all to gel and make sense. I hope and pray it comes for I have been in it for over 33 years and God still has not resolved it for me. I fasted for three weeks to get an answer and all I got from HIM was 'Am I the King or not, trust, trust! So I am still in darkness over this deep mystery.

[lynnmosher]

Pedro, I am so sorry to hear the light has not yet dawned in this area of your life. I wish I knew what to say to give you some comfort and peace. Why not post a prayer request so all the prayer warriors on this site can let you know that they stand beside you? May the Lord bless you with His light.

[adetokunbo]

Pedro,
Trust not in your own understanding, as God has spoken to you, 'be still and know that He is the King of your life"
Really i feel how you feel but, use not ''human reasoning with God"
He is taking you through a road and wants you to LONG for Him alone.
You have a heart of a God Chaser!
God, will strenghten you.

[Pedro Von Smidt]

I appreciate the comments made by Lyn and Adetokunbo. I was asked to forgo the one thing I wanted the most in life that would make life a dream come true. I was told I couldn't have that and heaven as well. Not for 30 years until I was 55yo, now I am 57yo and still without that which would make life sweetest of all. So I live in hope, but 'hope deferred maketh the heart sad' says the wise man.PS.

[lynnmosher]

Pedro, I really hate to put a halt to this discussion but this is a showcase and not an open forum for discussion. Only posts pertaining to this work are to be entered here. I would love to pray for you and others would, too, I'm sure, so go to Prayer Requests or one of the other Christian sections in 4B and start a new thread there. I'll see you there. May the Lord bless you with your heart's desire.

[cprice]

Oh, from these bars of confinement that have shut me in, I cry out to God. From this darkness that surrounds me, it seems as though all is lost. Yet, I know all things are sifted through the loving fingers of my precious Lord. Wishing to commune with me, He allows this thing to touch my life right now.

Isn't it comforting to know that everything we experience is as you said here.

As I feel the sting of heartache and loneliness, the restlessness of discontent and frustration, the anguish of defeat and helplessness, He withdraws me from the busyness of the world that I may be still before Him and wait.

That's where I am right now. Between knowing what my call is and taking steps to make it happen.

The Lord “takes me aside from the crowd [privately]” into absolute aloneness with Him, that I may listen only to Him. His words of love and comfort speak thunderously in this solitude. It is from here that I must search for His loving purpose.

It's hard to think of going into this place until we understand that He allows us to go there because He's jealous of our time and wants to pour Himself into us.

When the darkness and loneliness loom endlessly, they yet result in the richest and most rewarding of all spiritual experiences, for it is then that I see my darkness is but the overshadowing of the wings of the Lord. It is then I await the radiance of His glorious light to fall from heaven that I might behold my precious Savior.

Amen and Amen!!

As dew is quietly dispensed in the gloom of night, so the Holy Spirit comes to silently distill His peace and comfort. In waves of coolness, He breathes upon me like a refreshing wind.

This reminds me of a scene from "Prince Caspian". My son and I went to see it yesterday. I won't spoil it by saying anything else except that your words pain the picture so eloquently Lynn.

Just as the countless grains of parched, desert sand crave rainfall, this dry and dusty mortal vessel yearns for those Living Waters provided only by the Lord. Then His peace pours forth as an endless river, rushing over me to cleanse away all that would obstruct my view of Him. As I go to the Well, I drink in His Life and I am revitalized.


My family has been through a time like this. Facing much uncertainty and but always His peace that doesn't make any sense.

Thank you for sharing this.

[lynnmosher]

I pray this has touched you in a positive way.