Here’s something beautiful the Lord spoke to Judy Bauman, a godly lady here in Georgia, who emailed this out recently:

You know, Judy, a lot of new beginnings start from ruins. Fires, floods, earthquakes, even accidents can be the end of one thing, but the beginning of another. This all looks bad now, but we will work to clean it up and when you see it in the next season, you will see the growth. This is much like your pruning, child.” (Many things and even people have been pruned from my life. I have learned that once the Lord trims back a branch in our life, trying to stick it back is futile.)

And from Isaiah 63:

And He became their Savior.  In all their suffering He also suffered, and He personally rescued them.  In His love and mercy He redeemed them.  He lifted them up and carried them through all the years. 

I needed that tonight.  I needed to know He’s been with me through the pain.  Thank You Lord for Your footprints in the sand beside me, for not forsaking me in the darkest hours but for carrying me through.