Look at Me

Written by Rev. Dustin Midkiff

“Look at me!” I exclaimed for what seemed like the millionth time. Truthfully, I don’t know how many times I had made that simple request, but it was enough that now the frustration was evident in my voice. My son, now aware that he had crossed a line pulled himself back to reality and quickly met my gaze. After explaining again why it was important for him to perform whatever menial task I had asked of him I followed it up with, “Goodness, son! I wish you’d learn to listen.” That scenario is repeated daily in our home. We have small children, so it’s just a fact of life. Why was this one different? I’m so glad you asked.

It’s no secret to anyone who has been a part of the Body of Christ for any significant amount of time that sometimes it gets tough. There will be times when it feels like the darkness will strangle you. Times when it seems like your last hope has walked out on you and you are left to face the enemy completely alone. Times when it feels like your prayers are sucked up by the vacuum of space almost before they reach your lips. Times when the dollar signs and zeros on a screen tell you that your much hoped for blessing hasn’t arrived in time to save you from financial distress. I know, I’ve been there, it isn’t pleasant.

So, why remind us of it? Isn’t it better not to think of such things? How does this help the situation? Truthfully, I don’t know why I’m sharing this today. Perhaps it has no effect on you. Maybe everything is going your way with no distress in sight. There’s no way for me to know outside you sharing it with me. However, given my own recent struggles I want to share something with you.

Today I was reminded of a scripture in Hosea chapter 2 verses 14 and15.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.”

Why does it have to be the wilderness? Why can’t God speak the words of comfort to me in a place of comfort? It’s dark in the wilderness. There are dangers there that one might avoid by staying nearer to the safety of home. It’s so quiet when you’re alone in the wild places. Why here? What’s so special about the wilderness?

That’s question I was asking. The answer I got was to be reminded of that frustrating interaction with my son. I suddenly became aware of what God had been trying to say. “Look at me! Just look at me! Instead of being distracted by the chaos and noise of the struggle…just look at me! I had to bring you out into the darkness and solitude of the desert place because you couldn’t hear me where you were! Now that we are here, I just want you to listen.”

Perhaps God is saying the same thing to you? Is it a bit overwhelming where you are? Does it seem like the darkness might actually win this time? Does the giant look bigger than ever today? Maybe it’s time to go out into the night, gaze up at the stars and say…”God I just came to listen. I’ll still be right here when you are ready to speak.” Give it a try. Maybe, just maybe you’ll hear Him say…”The way out of the storm is this way, Child…I’ve been waiting for you to follow me so I could show you the way.”

Be Blessed,

Bro. Dustin