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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue #301 October 24, 2001
Valleys
The weight of the whole world came crashing in on his shoulders. Every small task seemed an overwhelming burden.
The outlook was black. There was no hope on the horizon, no light at the end of the tunnel. No encouragement, nothing but discouragement everywhere he turned.
Sleep wouldn’t come for long periods and when it finally did come, it wasn’t restful.
He didn’t know if there was a God, but in desperation he cried out anyway. There must be someway out of this depression, this blackness, and this madness.
That was my life as a traumatic brain injury survivor, struggling with chronic pain, fatigue and depression. I didn’t know Him, I didn’t believe in Him, but I had nowhere else to turn.
He answered my call and over time revealed himself to me. He led me through the blackness and gave me the skills to face life. I didn’t have to do it alone.
I walked through the valley of the shadow of death and He was there with me.
We all go through those times in the valley. Perhaps in your case, it’s not depression, but chronic sin, or worry or some other issue. You wonder is He there? You wonder will He answer, or can He forgive me again?
The answer is an unqualified yes.
The existence of the world proves He exists. His death and resurrection proves that He cares. His Word promises us love and forgiveness.
He will be there no matter what.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 NIV
Trust in Him and He will carry you through.
Until next time, know that whatever is oppressing you, whatever you face, you don’t stand-alone, and God is at your side.
God bless.
Kevin
If you’ve never accepted Jesus, His love, His forgiveness and His help, perhaps it’s time. You may be saying "Oh I don’t believe in that stuff!" but let’s be honest, wouldn’t you like to?
Email me and I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain why a relationship with Him is important and a prayer that will make it possible.
He is the light at the end of the tunnel
To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential.
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© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved
To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential.
If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website http://gleanings.jesusanswers.com
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved