Some nighttime encouragement from the Maker of the stars

I am a thinker. I think a lot. Perhaps I think too much. Or perhaps I just think I think too much.

Regardless, last night I was thinking about my life and my future, as I often do. I have been troubled with this lately, and have been crying out to God for help. Last night was one of those times: I was on my knees, reading through, and praying through, the holy scriptures. It was a sweet time, even though I was troubled. God loves to hear His children's prayers, even if they come to Him out of distress.

When I finished reading and spending time speaking with my Father, I thought to myself, "I'm not done here. God has more for me."

So I did the same thing that I do from time to time after a long period in the Word and in prayer: I took a walk. I walked down to a nearby park, to sit on a bench. I wasn't sure what I was expecting out of this time; I was only sure that I wasn't done with God... or rather that He wasn't done with me.

I sat on a bench, and watched people talking in the distance for awhile. I examined cars driving by. I listened to the insects in the trees, and water splashing in the nearby fountain. Then I looked up into the sky, and saw a single, solitary star...

In an instant, upon seeing this star, my memories were brought back to a similar night from four or five years ago:

It was another night when I was thinking, perhaps too much, and filled with pain about a specific situation and the uncertainty of my future. I spent time hearing from God in His Word, as well as time crying out to Him in prayer. When I was done, I went for a walk. A long walk. I ended up down at the bay, at a local park, and I sat on a rock and watched the stars. I said to God, "Father, I do not want to test You; forgive me if I am. But I will stay here on this rock until I hear from You. Anything, Lord. Any word at all. I need to know that You are listening."

I do not recommend that you test the Lord in this way; for we are man, and He is God. He is the Potter, and we are His clay. However, God was most gracious in responding to me that night...

After sitting on that rock for about half an hour, late at night, in a park far from my house, my silence was broken by an audible voice which came from behind me. No, it was not the voice of God. It was the voice of friend who was in the Bible study that I was leading that year:

"Hey, it's our Corefa!"

This was the name given to the study leaders. He was with another friend from the study, as well as some other friends of mine. The two young men sat down near me, and were genuinely excited to come across their study leader out so late in this random park.

Immediately, I was filled with peace (which truly did surpass all of my own understanding!), and it was as if God was saying to me, "Chris, do not worry about tomorrow. For today, I have given you this work to do. Feed My sheep. Strengthen your brethren. The plans I have for you are plans to give you hope and a future. I am a most faithful God: lean on Me, and not on your own understanding."

It was such an amazing outpouring of grace in my life, and yet it took another walk to remember it. I am grateful to God for not only speaking into my life once to give me peace, but again years later to speak the same message. My faith is like shifting sand, but I serve a God who is a sure foundation, a strong cornerstone. He is perfectly loving, and is faithful to fulfill His promises... and He has promised to give me hope and a future. I will wait on Him in faith.