Thoughts between daughter and Father VII

He allows me to hunger

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water…

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you!

Psalm 63:1, 5

The daughter found herself in a barren place.

Her Father said,

“In this place I will give you the peace you are longing for. Here I will give you spiritual food that will nourish you. You are always with Me – no matter what the circumstances – and all that I have is yours.”

Then the Father, with great gentleness, drew the daughter to himself. Quietly, He said,

“I am the One who allowed you to come into these humbling circumstances, and allowed you to hunger. I did this so that I might feed you with manna – My bread from heaven! Only in this way could I help you to know that you cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from My mouth.”

The daughter said, “Give me this bread always!”

And when she grew thirsty, she learned to cry, “The light of Your face is my life!”

Later still, the daughter wondered why one like herself, who is so richly fed and cared for at times, should at other times feel so poor and needy and thirsty.

Her Father replied by asking four questions:

“Can someone who has never thirsted know how precious is My living water?

“Can someone who has never discovered rivers of these living waters flowing on barren heights – can she ever lead a thirsty friend to those rivers?

“Can someone who has never walked the valleys of the spirit help a friend who is fainting – or lead this friend to the well-springs that will save the life of the soul?

“Can someone who has never seen burning sands in the wilderness turn into a refreshing pool – can she speak in praise of My marvels, or My power?”

Selah.


Prayer

My Father, please help me to trust you in the barren place. Help me to be faithful to you in the valleys of my spirit, so that I might learn well how to bring others through this barren path. Above all, help me to see you, always with me, no matter what the test...

Today, Father, I claim the promise that my soul will be satisfied in your presence, as with the richest of foods. Today I will sing to you, in faith, as if the promise has already arrived!

Thank you for this day, this trial, this prayer... in Jesus' name I pray.

Selah.

Note: More thoughts from the private conversation of Amy Carmichael, as she talked to her Father about the issues of life and personal challenges around her. God used her to rescue many young girls from ritual Hindu temple prostitution, and wrought miracles through her prayer life. Here is glimpse into that prayer life. May it bless you today!