Musings by Mariane
Monthly Column by Mariane Holbrook

She walked along a lonely road, no stranger to her pain.
It seemed that every step she took gave reason to complain.
The path was rough and strewn with tears; she found no refuge there.
She looked around for sympathy but no one seemed to care.

Then through the darkness of her soul, she felt she heard God’s voice.
“I want to change your life so you’ll have reason to rejoice.
The pain that you are feeling is as real as it can be.
But when you’re focused on yourself, then you’ve lost sight of Me.

“Come place your pain at Calvary’s cross and try to leave it there.
I know it won’t be easy; it might even seem unfair.
I have a brand new ministry I’d like for you to do.
You’ll be a great encouragement for those who need it, too.

“A Jewish Christian lady was attacked and left for dead.
Though partially recovered, she spends all her time in bed.
Unable now to walk, she needs to feel like she belongs.
I’d like for you to be her friend and teach her worship songs.

“The woman at the grocery store has many sleepless nights.
Her husband left, she’s all alone but glad there’re no more fights.
She needs to be encouraged and from all her fears set free.
She is My child so please take time to minister for Me.

“And in your church a couple sits, alone and deep in thought.
He suffers from depression and his wife is so distraught.
Why not invite them over, spend the evening, share a meal?
He needs to have some fellowship; in time his nerves will heal.

“So, tell me, child, if this is something you would like to do:
Encourage all the precious ones I’ll introduce you to.
You’ll bring them hope, bathe them in prayer, my witness you will be
And you’ll be doing work that lasts for all eternity.”

She bowed her head and thanked the Lord for answering her prayer.
His words brought healing to her of which she was unaware.
For as she listened to His voice and heard her Lord explain,
She was so blessed by what God said that she forgot her pain.