"It is Well..." (A repost)

I wrote this post in 2009. How fitting it is for this season as well. I've been hearing from so many people who are facing unimaginable circumstances. It is my joy to intercede. I can't do much, but I can certainly pray! If you are one of those who needs to know someone is praying you through, please comment below or email me at shelley@church4chicks.com and I will be honored to take your name to the Throne of Grace.

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I shared recently that this year has been very challenging. As I've said publicly many times, my desire is to live an authentic life: one that gives honor and praise to Christ for who He is for me and in me, rather than trying to gain praise by what I do for Him. It's so easy to get caught up in the externals of Christian living, rather than resting in the true miracle: Christ in me, the hope of glory!

I am so thankful for who my Savior is. I am so thankful that He accepts and delights in who He has made me to be--imperfect as I am. I am thankful for the Cross that paid my debt and for the Savior who has made me new.

What an incredible reality: the exchanged life-- His for my own. What a Savior! As one great hymn says, "You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!" I believe science, history, and culture prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is an Almighty Creator and that Jesus is His Son; but that's not even necessary for me anymore. I know He lives because of what the living Savior has done, and continues to do, in me, and in the lives of countless others who have tasted His grace and have been made brand new.

In the last few weeks, God has been speaking to my heart in a fresh, clear, gentle way. I used to be afraid to pray prayers that asked God to seek my whole heart for anything that was contrary to His will for me. I am not afraid of that anymore. I've tasted and experienced His incomparable, indescribable grace too often to be afraid to pray those prayers. Now, I welcome those times when the Father reveals areas that need a touch of His grace that brings conviction and change. He has proven Himself trustworthy and faithful time and again. Trusting Him is the only thing that makes sense.

As He has ministered to my heart and mind in recent days, He has brought "peace that passes all understanding" (it definitely passes my understanding!) and a contentment to entrust my whole self to Him in a new way. Just this week, I was part of a congregation that was led in this beautiful hymn. I've always loved this hymn, and the story behind it (which you can read by clicking on the link below this post). But, for the first time in a long time, I knew I could sing these words as my own personal declaration:

"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul."

I love the song so much, and thought you might appreciate hearing it sung so beautifully by this incredible singer. He tells a great story before singing the hymn, and I hope it will encourage your heart today. Whatever it is God is allowing you to go through, in order to get you where He is taking you, may you find peace in releasing your life to His care, and may it be well with your soul!



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