Working for a Christian radio station has allowed me the privilege of hearing story after story of God moving in powerful ways to summon people to Him. I never cease to be amazed at the lengths that He goes through to pursue us. God reaches into the darkest of places and shines His light of rescue and redemption upon us. There is no place we can hide from El Roi (the God who sees).

Psalm 139:12 “…even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

Even so, how often do we merely exist in the darkness of our pits with no hope of ever being rescued? What put us there? Wrong decisions…other people…circumstances beyond our control…? Whatever the reason, God is ready to rescue us from those prisons we often find ourselves in and bring us out into the brightness of His light!

Tragically, I know first-hand, that’s easier said than done. I often find that I cling to my darkness. As strange and ludicrous as that sounds, I still do it, and I know many of you find yourselves in the same place many times. And you know what? The enemy likes to see us there.

In a pit, we’re often ineffective for Kingdom work.

In a pit, our faith tends to diminish.

In a pit, we’re more focused on our own plight than on how to help someone else out of a predicament.

In a pit, the truths of God’s Word don’t tend to keep us content.

In a pit, it’s harder for God to use us.

I truly believe, with all that I am, that if God’s children would allow Him to bring us out of the darkness – there would be an even greater work taking place in the Kingdom! And…that, my friends…is why Satan wants us to stay there.

If you’re suffering from addiction, God can break it for you!

If you’re deeply grieving, God can be your ultimate Comforter!

If you’re dealing with a serious illness, God can be your Healer and your Peace!

If you’re regretting past life choices and decisions, God can be your Redeemer and Restorer!

If you’re longing for a permanent mate, God can fulfill all of your needs even while single!

If you’re unemployed, God can be your provider!

If you’re depressed, God can be the lifter of your head!

If you’re restless and dissatisfied with life, God can bring fulfillment like no other person or place will ever be able to do!

It’s up to you…if you’ll change your belief from “God can” to “God will”. Reach up your hand to Him and ask Him to be your Rescuer from the darkness of your pain. Allow His Restoration to permeate within you.

How do I know it can happen? Because He’s done it for me – over and over and over again!

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Nearly two weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking at a women’s event in which just shy of 2000 women attended. This group of gals came from all walks of life…rich and poor, free and imprisoned, miserably married and happily single, mothers of many and those still longing for children, believers and non-believers. There were the church ladies and also those that society might dub the “troublemakers”. In any event, there was a sea of beautiful women that all came for various reasons but all left with a hug from Abba!

I’ve had countless ladies share with me how much the evening meant to them – how loudly God spoke to a particular need in their life – how desperately they needed to feel His presence (and did!). They thanked me for being so transparent in sharing my story. I was so blessed to be part of His work that evening, but what I wanted to share with each of them was this…

“I was the blessed one! I, too, heard God speak so loudly. I, too, needed to feel His presence and did so in abundance! And, honestly…it’s not my story. He just asked me to share His story…His story of redemption, healing, and treasured grace in my life.”

And…there was more…

I intentionally put all speaking on hold for awhile after Chris’ death (minus a little 5 minute talk I gave eleven weeks after he died). I truly didn’t have the energy to prepare messages to deliver to others at that time in my life. I simply resorted to blogging about my widow adventures (mostly out of my need for healing). However, after I felt like God had readied me “speaker ready” again, I began to doubt myself. Soon after those hesitations began to surface and I began to question my ability to be God’s vessel, I got the call to speak at this particular women’s event. I said yes before I had the chance to say no.

Knowing how difficult this would be for me – my first time back out on the field, so to speak – I was desperately afraid that I would let God down. I know that might sound silly, but those feeling were very real my friends. You see – He’s done SO much for me. I can’t even come close to praising Him enough! I was so fearful that I wouldn’t glorify Him enough.

I shared my inadequacies with a friend as well as all of the doubt-filled thoughts that invaded my mind.

Her response, “Do you trust Him?”

My reply, “Of course I trust Him. But…”

Again, she repeated, “Do you trust Him?”

I was beginning to get a little agitated. Of course she knows I trust Him. I’ve been speaking that truth from the moment I learned of my husband’s suicide and for all the tragedies He carried me through before that. Yes. I. Trust. Him!

And she finished with, “Then there can be no buts.”

Ouch! That pierced my heart to the core. She was right! I’ve lived what I’ve believed for a long time. Why can’t I trust Him with this? It’s actually so much easier to transfer our fears, our doubts, and our lack of understanding to His throne. He wants it all, and He can handle it all!

And so…

I surrendered my doubts to Him…I surrendered my talk to Him…I surrendered the evening to Him.

And…He was glorified!

I saw it on the faces and in the voices of the women I spoke with afterwards. I saw it in the healing tears rushing down their faces. I felt it in my own heart, as I was so full of His peace while standing on the stage. I heard it in the anthems of praise that penetrated the worship center that evening.

Is there something you doubt God can do for you or through you? If so, do you trust Him anyway?

Remember…no buts. Just trust Him. Surrender it to Him. He’s got this!