I was awakened this morning, while it was still dark, by the sound of a train whistle off in the
distance. Keeping my eyes closed (and hoping to go back to sleep), I could
hear the train rumbling on the tracks, and my thoughts turned to all those
people that lived even closer than I. How could they sleep?
I couldn't, and
eventually scuffed into the kitchen to make coffee.
Later, as I settled into a plate of eggs over easy, in my cute little
breakfast room, I opened my bible randomly to the OT.
I happened upon a page that had a verse highlighted and underscored, and I'd written multiple notes in the margin. Two were just dates: 6/23/03, and 5/9/08 ~ no notations.
Another one read "4/12/05 Took communion and worshipped. Received this word before going to take mammogram." [The doctors have been telling me for decades they have concerns.]
The big note at the bottom of the page brought a smile to my face. "5/18. Received a physical 'wave' of the Holy Spirit at RWC [Women's Conference], and heard in my heart 'never again'. On 5/8 I had a physical & am being sent to GYN to rule out cancer. It's already been ruled out! DONE!!!"
Here's the verse that was marked up?
Zeph. 3:14-15
Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more.*
I think, and I believe, that in the middle of our night seasons, when we can't sleep and we're rumbling down the tracks of our life, the Father hears the cries of our heart that come to His ears like a train whistle. But instead of turning away and making coffee, He gently leans down and whispers to us, saying "Never again".
Counting My Blessings
xo Susy
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen,
to the glory of God through us. ~2 Cor. 1:20
You will NEVER know how much I needed this post today, especially this scripture--thank you ever so much dear Susy. You were led by God--I just know it, to minister to your sister in Arkansas.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet blessing to receive, Susy. Thank you for telling us how marked up your Bible is. That is precious to me. Thanks, too, for showing us the sweet nook where you have breakfast and read your morning devotions. I will imagine you there when I think of you.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea to write the date of special verses in the margin. I do that also and what a lovely surprise comes at a much later date when you realise what it meant at the time..
ReplyDeleteI can see you with the train whistle blowing, and you walking to the kitchen for a cuppa.. What a blessing to live healthy and in a free country. Much love Crystal xx
What a wonderful reminder of God's faithfulness to His children. Your words today spoke volumes to my heart and I thank you for being obedient in sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you my friend.....
I had to laugh at your hearing a far off whistle of the train. We live very close to a track and it often wakes me. Not always though. Love your cozy breakfast nook. Love that you write in your bible too. I often just find a scripture underlined and a date. I try to think back about where I was in life that made me underline. It's much better when I have written something. A gentle reminder of how HE works in our lives. Think of you often, my friend. We will be down there for a while soon to work on Ellen's kitchen. I WILL see you then.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful testimony and recording of God's goodness! He's such a good Daddy!
ReplyDeleteYou know, train whistles, or steam trumpets, have distinct personalities. There were single note shriekers (banshees), deep single toned, and multi-chime whistles which usually consisted of 3 to 5 carefully tuned notes to form a chord. The older steam engines had pull cords so that the operators could give their own expression to the whistles, allowing other engine drivers to identify the engineer and the train.
I say this because your sharing reminds me of how personal God is. He does things specifically to get our attention and to recognize who is doing it. He doesn't even need a train to blow the whistle. I love God-winks!
Hugs, Karen
I missed this while I was away. But am so glad I came over to read it. What an encouragement! And I love your breakfast room.
ReplyDeleteYes and amen! I got chills reading this.
ReplyDelete...just peeking in...
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