Encouragement

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In the open Bible study meeting at church this week the Minister spoke from Luke Chapter 7 versus 11-16. It is the story about the raising of the widows son at Nain. The title of his message was taken from Verse 13, ‘Weep Not’. The lesson vividly focused on the reasons why we should not ‘cry’ about the seemingly lifeless and desolate areas in our lives. He explained it is God’s desire to literally ‘resurrect’ dead situations such as, lost purpose, impossible circumstances and miserable finances. He drew on the parallel of the woman’s son whom Jesus himself rose from the dead. He powerfully illustrated that whilst God is moved by compassion when we cry he only acts on our behalf when we know, our rights as believers, (through Gods word) and when we know who we are in Christ. He finished by declaring that whatever situation we find ourselves in we are to rejoice in the Lord always, as this is the will of God concerning our lives (Philippians 4:4). The message was informative, and it was empowering and had an enormous impact on me. Apart from a couple of greetings, I left silently lost in my thoughts. I was having a ‘stand still’ moment.

You see, prior to leaving for Bible study that evening, I had quite literally, just began writing a monologue that I volunteered to do for my sister who is in need of a presentation piece for her Community Performance Degree exam. She explained to me that it should be based on emotive experiences from a woman’s perspective. I decided to write about the pain and agony that comes from yearning for children, after years of trying and it still does not happen. I titled the biblically inspired monologue, “Weeping may endure for a while – but Joy will come you”. (Yes, It was practically along the same subject matter that was to be taught at church that very evening.)

As I began to write, I drew from my own experience of going through ectopic pregnancy loss and childlessness. I would often weep, tirelessly and endlessly. Not for pity, but for the pain. It was my pain and I wanted to own it. They were my tears and as a woman I believed I had a right to them. I desperately wanted to be a mother. At the end of a long day, when I laid my head down on my pillow I would feel so empty, I would close my eyes and I would just cry. We are told by the ‘experts’ that it is good to cry as it lets out negative feelings and after all weeping only lasts for a while, right?

Fast forward to the bible study again. Remember what the Minister taught us in bible class? Yes, people will cry, its human nature but paradoxically, we are told to weep not! Jesus told the widow not to cry. Even though she was in despair he knew why he told the woman not to weep, because he was about to resurrect her 'dead' situation.

By the time I got home from church, The Word, forever settled in the heavens, was forever settled in my soul! Because I knew I had confessed God’s word as much as possible, I decreed that night that I would waste no more tears as my ‘childless case’ had been heard and was completed by God in eternity. And I knew exactly how to develop the character and finish the piece that I was writing!

Bible study that evening at church was for me, spiritually extraordinary. I could hardly believe both the minister and I had looked at the same subject matter in the same day! When personal impression and personal study and personal hearing from God correspond with what is being spoken ‘at the same time’ from the pulpit, it is so miraculous it just immediately humbles you... All I could do was stand still and know that I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that truly God is God.

But there was more to come. The revelations didn’t stop there. There was still more to hear.

By the time I woke up the next morning almost immediately as I woke up something else struck me that was totally unexpected. God wanted my attention, and I stood still. Since my school days I have had a little niggling problem that occurs to my eyes. They seem to shed small tears whenever I am out in the cold and windy weather, especially in the morning when I am still tired and sometimes just randomly. I have often thought I must need glasses but when I visit the opticians periodically, and I am always told my vision is perfect, allergies have been checked for and there are no other underlying concerns. What’s even more bizarre is that I am the only person in my immediate family who has never been prescribed glasses. I simply experience hypersensitivity to the blustery British weather!

At times I am walking down the road with a smile on my face but with little tears rolling down my cheek, how confusing it must be for other pedestrians who pass the other way! And I seem to have one of those faces that some people just, well look at! Anyhow, for some reason I woke up and I just could not stop thinking about the words of Jesus and the bible study – “Weep not!” Jesus spoke those words to the widow when he saw her crying for her son. Her tears were voluntary and Jesus cared. My tears may not be voluntary but I get a similar reaction when I’m out. The man in the shop will say to me ‘are you alright dear?’ Or the person at the bus stop will say ‘you ok?’ I recall turning up for Job interviews many times and the receptionist would often look at me pitifully as my face would be a complete mess. Stripy Foundation is an awful sight to behold when one is suited and booted. I’d always try and be early, just so I could use the ladies room and dry those tears!

During the colder blustery months I am always wiping away a tear! But the morning after the bible study, something changed. I woke up with a quickening, a stirring in my spirit. I thought to myself enough is enough, if God said weep not, voluntary or otherwise, then I’m going to claim the word and believe God to, weep not. I had lived with these tired eyes for so long I didn’t think about actually praying about it. But my spirit was stirred and it was time to take action. I was bothered enough to pray about it now because the tears were beginning to detract away from a pleasant disposition and gesture an inaccurate message that, I have a problem smiling or worse still that I was a cry baby! Though I do have a tendency to cry for sad things, those that know me know that I like to smile and be jolly, and preferably as much as possible!

So, I sat still before God and embraced the night before’s teaching. It now became clear to me that The Minister’s word was an astonishing breakthrough in more ways than one. God is so good; he knows our needs before we even ask. He is the God of More than enough. He is concerned with all aspects of our life, small and large alike. I just sat there thinking, whatever problems? He can fix it. Depression? He can evict it, Loneliness? He can take care of it, Shyness? He can banish it! No matter what it is, he is able. Please be encouraged.

I am so grateful to those who labour for God among us and confirm his word. It’s such a blessing to have men and women of God speak into our lives, shepherding God’s Flock. If there is ever a valid reason for attending church rather than being a ‘at home’ Christian this is it. We need God’s established counsel. For sure, I look forward to the opportune times when I can thank and bless the Pastors and Ministers for their life changing, yoke breaking, and heaven sent, anointed sermons that they prepare and deliver time and again.

Whatever your challenging situation is today, obvious and not so obvious, don’t overlook it any more! We must keep our spiritual antennas alert so that we can hear from God and walk in total victory! We must be eager to stand still, hear and know that God is God. Jesus says’ ask anything in my name and I’ll surely give it to you. When we ask it shall be given, when we seek we shall find, knock and the door shall be opened. Don’t look at how long it takes; continue to believe, to listen and to receive. Jesus is the answer and Jesus never fails.

Written by Sandra Cowan. Copyright 2006. Not to be reproduced without the authors consent.

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