June 30, 2024
Inspiration & Inner Thoughts
Mr. Davis is a man who is paralyzed from his chest down. But he wasn't always this way. He once worked as an engineer coding robotics for surgeons and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 39. Despite a series of unfortunate events, David has developed a unique insight, wisdom, plus faith in God that will provide our readers hope when feeling hopeless. Love when feeling loveless. And strength when feeling weak. Mr. Davis will provide relaunched Echo readers with weekly shares that we encourage you to support by reading his gentle memoirs and thoughts of inspiration.
BEAUTY FOR ASHES
Life has a way of leaving us with ashes – the remnants of heartache, shattered dreams, and seasons of loss. We've all felt their sting. Yet, amidst these ashes, Isaiah 61:3 whispers a breathtaking promise: God's specialty is turning ashes into beauty.
He doesn't merely sweep the ashes away but works a divine exchange – beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. Like a master potter, He takes the shattered fragments of our pain and sorrow and fashions them into a masterpiece of redemption and hope.
PAUL
Paul was considered to be a great man, and he was just that, but he was still just a man. He had real feelings, just like you and I have. He needed to know he wasn’t all alone. How many times have we had that need? This was Paul's opportunity to show up for God, knowing that these high priests and rulers knew his past and know he knew that he was all about Jesus Christ. He blew it; just a few years earlier, Jesus was in the same city as Paul, standing before the same council, being tried. Both were not being tried for some horrific crime but for doing good. Both were considered to be a blasphemer and a troublemaker.
When I think about that, I am able to see that we have a Savior who knows and understands what we are going through because He has been there. If you are lonely, hurting, feeling rejected, or discouraged, know this. He’s been there! He is right there, NOW, in your mistakes, your deep pain, your depression....how wonderful to know that when we are at the end of our rope, Jesus is the knot at the end that keeps us from falling! Just because Paul had lost it, when he got hit in the mouth.. it only shows his humanity. Just when he needed it the most, the Lord stood by Paul. Then the Lord spoke to Paul. The Lord protected Paul. Look at Acts 23, verses 12-14.
UNBURDENED HEART
We left that closet of prayer, having unburdened our hearts. We told Him of our hopes, our dreams, our desires. We left that holy place of prayer with a satisfied mind. Yet, our Lord was still there waiting with keen anticipation, longing to share in that communion. I believe our Lord says, "Yes, yes, thank you for your praise. I accept it. I'm so glad you took the time to be shut in with Me. I have heard your request, and the Father will give you the desire of your heart. But please, wait! Don't leave just now. I have some things I want to share with you. My heart is yearning to be unburdened to you. I've bottled your tears, I've soothed your troubled mind. Now, allow Me to talk! Allow Me to tell you what is on My heart"
AMEN!
Amen! I was reading Psalms 46:10, reminding me in this fast-paced world, all the noise and distractions that make me lose focus on God. How many of us forget to even read a verse in the Bible because we feel so busy? By being still and focusing on God, we can quiet our hearts and minds, allowing him to speak to us and guide our steps. Trust that he is in control, and let his peace wash over you as you go through the day." Dear heavenly father, thank you for loving, and giving us your presence in our life. Help me to pause and be still, focus on you during the business of my day. Teach me to trust in your sovereignty and let your peace envelop me as I navigate the challenges I face. God guide my steps and trust me there. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen!
