Let Me Not Shrink (#248 of 365+)

O Prince of Glory, who dost bring Thy sons to glory through Thy Cross, Let me not shrink from suffering, reproach, or loss. ~Amy Carmichael


I can relate to Job from the Old Testament. Some of my early life experiences trained me to expect the worst from those who were closest to me—especially when the chips were down. So when I’m coping with difficulties and trials I’ll often draw back and avoid contact with others for awhile. It’s as if I’m trying to prevent one more unknown factor, an unpredictable human being, from entering the equation.

But Joni said the pain of suffering becomes magnified when it’s mixed with the feeling of loneliness. She encouraged her readers to open the Bible and find the passages that tell them they’re never all alone. Someone is always present to witness their struggles. And she wasn’t just talking about the Lord…

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:10-11, emphasis mine)

Last Sunday my pastor taught us about the lore of angels and demons. He said they’re real characters who have played a significant part in more of my life’s scenes than I might realize. We studied the following verse: “And Elisha prayed, ‘O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17).

I also know from scripture that angels peer into my life every now and then with an intense curiosity…

“Even angels long to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:12)

It changes my perspective when I realize that heaven’s angels are waiting in excited expectation for the Spirit to do something great through me…

“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10)

but the fallen angels are seeking to destroy God’s work in my life…

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8)

Lord, thank you for reminding me that I’m never alone and I shouldn’t retreat when I encounter a difficult or painful situation. Give me the support of praying sisters and brothers to help me persevere in the face of opposition. With your Holy Spirit, the encouragement of other believers, and the occasional assist from your angels, I will continue to run this race of faith without fail all the way to the finish line. All the glory and honor belongs to you! Amen.