Time to Shine

My verse.


Tonight, I played for one of two services this weekend.


And my verse, the verse I clung to during my darkest days, is part of the Scripture readings for this weekend!  (At least, in the LCMS it is).


This portion of 1 Peter 5-

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.


I don't know that I've ever shared the story behind this passage-but it was one of my rocks that I continuously turned to in my despair.


It was the first weekend I was in the wheelchair. I was afraid. I was confused. I was hurting. I was hopeless and ready to give up. I was overwhelmed.


And it was a sleepless night- the clock ticked on from midnight to 2 AM to 4 AM- I remember it exactly- into Sunday morning. 


I opened my Bible, scanning for something. I flipped the pages furiously, needing some little push that would get me going and comfort me for at least a few hours worth of sleep.


And there I found it- 1 Peter 5:7... Cast all your anxiety on Him...


It was what I needed to get me through the night. The next day I studied the verses around it and found it all was applicable..


"Though you will suffer for a little while, He will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."


At the time I thought, "Oh, yeah, right, whatever. I'll never be firm, strong, or steadfast. That's ridiculous.


But yet, time and time again, I returned to that passage. (And a handful of others).


And now, I can see my reflection in the screen on my computer.


I am strong.
I am firm.
I am steadfast.


I suffered a little while, but now it is my time to shine. 


I overcame the sufferings, and now it's my time to shine.


Because I am strong. I am firm. I am steadfast.


What about you? Do you have any special verses you hold close to your heart?


Blessings:
-Sitting outside and reading a new book


-Playing on 3 different organs


-Conversation with a friend


-Dinner at Grandma's


-Playing for a service tonight- and closing out an amazing service with this hymn!

-Laughing

-Realizing I am strong, firm, and steadfast. And nothing and no one will ever change that. Ever.