By Tanya Wilson
There is nothing like old gospel spirituals that I grew up on. It’s funny that when things happen in life, one of the songs in your memory bank will bubble up and speak to you right where you are. This week, the late James Cleveland and his version of “What Shall I Do,” delivered a powerful reminder to me. One verse, the one I like the best, “…..when the night gets the darkest, that’s God’s good time, that’s when He steps in.”
The journey of life will always ebb and flow. Sometimes things will be well, and other times you find yourself on rocky terrain. An easy life free of any challenges was never promised to any of us, 2 Timothy 1-8 offers us insight on that.
The good news when you are dealing with the challenges of life is the value of your tried and true support partners. These are the folks in your life that you can totally reveal your heart to, it might be only one or two, but there is power in those connection. Somehow I think it was in the plan of life, that we would meet special people along our journey that can lift our arms even if we cannot.
I remember years ago one of the mothers of the church; my goodness the wisdom that could come from them. She said, “honey, know your Word, and surround yourself with people that know their Word.” I had to chuckle as I thought of her this week, it seemed as if I could still see that big flower on the front of her hat.
James Cleveland talked about it in the song; nighttime can be a rough time. I don’t know what it is about darkness, but it seems that all the thoughts of the day come in for a visit. It’s good to know that there are words you can grab on to as reminders, but also, those folks that the good mother taught me about. You never know where your encouragement is going to come from. I like what a friend shared with me, he said, “we serve an 11:59 God!” I didn’t get it right away, but then it hit me, just in the nick of time, with only seconds to spare, He WILL show up!
Just a few nights later, a friend unexpectedly texted me a scripture that spoke to my situation as if Jehoshaphat and I were joined at the hip. I am so grateful that when we need it most, those people in our lives will step up not even realizing that what they have to offer might be the answer you were seeking. Psalms 27:17 sums it all up, iron sharpens iron.
I’ve learned a lot about obedience this week as I reflected on the times that I thought about someone and put the phone call off, or didn’t stop by when I thought that I should. Did I miss my opportunity to speak into something they might have been going through? Each one of us is capable of greatness in the midst of turbulent terrain for support and in the good times for celebration. We are equipped with our own testimonies of things that we made it through as our examples.
It is clear that our testimonies are not necessarily for us, but someone that is standing in the need of that message of hope, which is evidence of how powerful we can be in each other’s lives. Don’t miss your opportunity to sow where you are planted.
Tanya is an inspirational speaker and writer living in Charlotte. You can friend her on Facebook or email her at tw360you@aol.com. Read more columns by Tanya Wilson.
