Earlier this morning, as I turned to read my morning Bible Study, the memories flooded back …
The diagnosis had taken us by surprise but we were assured the surgery could most likely all be done laparoscopically. We were disappointed when, midway through the procedure, we were told it would be further involved and she had to be opened.
After the surgery, I stayed with her in the hospital, day and night. One of the first nights after the surgery, was a particularly bad night and I wondered if she would even make it through. I sat in my chair that night, holding my Bible, at times reading it, at times praying, and to be honest, at times just looking at her while the tears rolled.
But somewhere in the middle of the night, in the dimmed room, and in the stillness, God brought me to read one verse:
“Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens” (Mark 4:27, NLT).
God brought me such peace and assurance immediately with this thought …
Even in the nights of our soul, He causes growth.
We may not even understand the how’s or why’s, but there will be growth.
A few minutes later, I turn to read of the complete redemption in Ruth’s life. God worked in Ruth and Naomi’s life, after all of their great losses and deep sorrow, to bring them joy and blessing.
It is what He works in our life as well:
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I will give you thanks forever!” (Psalm 30:11, NLT)
He turns our mourning into joyful dancing SO THAT “we might sing praises to you and not be silent.” Friends, may we sing and not be silent, for the Lord has done great things in each of our lives and will yet do great things in our lives.
Even in the nights of our soul, He causes growth!
Today I am joining … Grace Moments and #ChasingCommunity and Heart Encouragement Thursday and Tune In Thursday and Salt & Light .
Hi Joanne…we are linked up in several places today. Interesting…the scripture you mention provides a basis for a theme in my blog post today! I take great comfort in knowing that God is working behind the scenes, even when I don’t see results. Blessings to you.
Good Morning Sarah,
I just read your blog post and was so encouraged as it confirmed my own thoughts this morning. So grateful for your words!
Blessings!
I love the story of Ruth. It’s such a beautiful testimony to how far God will go to redeem what’s broken and seems lost. Thank you for this beautiful reminder, Joanne! Very timely for me today.
I am very grateful for the way God works – even when we are completely unaware. Praying for you today.
What a sweet God-moment. I love it when we feel His intimacy. The Spirit is such a good comforter. Any other time you may have read that verse differently, but He knew what you needed and spoke life into your soul’s cry. Thank you for paying it forward and sharing it with us, Joanne. ((xoxo))
Joanne,
As I sit here, it was really calming to read your post. It is truly comforting to know that even in our darkest hours….the ones that drag on and on, God is working healing and redeeming. I think He does some of His best work when we are totally unaware. Thank you for pointing me to your story and other stories of hope and healing!!
Love and blessings,
Bev xoxo
Joanne, I can say that I’ve found this to be true in my life, especially recently. Rather than fear the darkness, we can embrace the deep truths God has hidden for us there.
Blessings to you!
I love any scripture about God speaking to us in the night because I’m often awake in the middle of the night and can’t return to sleep. 🙂 How blessed we are to have a God who doesn’t need sleep and who takes care of us whether we are awake or asleep. Thanks for this encouragement, Joanne!
Hi! This was beautifully written and I could really relate, because I recently had major surgery and what got me through was the word of God, my prayers and praise music!! He is so faithful to be there for us in our time of need. Your neighbor at Chasing Community today! Blessings, Misty
“Even in the nights of our soul, He causes growth!” Amen, Joanne! I love how God speaks to our heart in the stillness and how one word from Him changes everything!
Sweet blessings to you!
Oh Joanne, not only did God’s word meet you at the right time over at my blog, but your words and His here have met me perfectly as well. Beautiful, impacting encouragement. So thankful, my friend, for the visit here today. His word is powerful.
So Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this verse and this beautiful story. 💞💞💞💞
Joanne,
This is so beautiful and comforting. God does not forsake us. Even in our darkest moments, He provides presence, peace, and even growth.
I am so sorry you and your loved one endured such pain. But I am glad you found a deeper intimacy with God in it.
Thank you for this deeply touching post 🙂
It’s so interesting to me, Dolly, to realize that we would do it all again. It seemed like such a journey at the time and in hindsight, it was quicker than it seemed. And the outcome – both physically and spiritually – were so worth it. Blessings!
Joanne – Such a good reminder – even in the night of the soul HE causes growth – I so needed these words tonight and I am struggling for words to say to a young gal going through a difficult time. Thank you for sharing your heart and journey. Blessings and also, thanks for linking up with #TuneInTHursday last week – hope to see you tomorrow.