11 Apr
Friendly Neighborhood Insomniac Pt. 2
Isn’t it funny how the seemingly littlest things can change your life? I asked my girlfriend the other day how she decided to pursue fashion design. She responded, “Well, I watched the movie 13 Going On 30 and I decided what I wanted to do with my life….” After one quick laugh from me and a quicker verbal slap-to-the-face from her, I realized how much little things can impact our lives. For me, it was a bright pink, flowery piece of paper…
Last week we left off my story with me in a hopeless and lonely place. My insomnia had reached an all-time low, and there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Confused, I couldn’t understand why God wouldn’t answer my prayers for healing. On one particular night, June 8th, sitting alone in my basement I glanced towards the clock—3:15 a.m. I sensed another all-nighter looming.
Frustration swept over me; in despair and with watery eyes I collapsed to my knees and cried out, “God, why don’t you answer me? Do I have to carry this burden alone? Do YOU even care anymore? I need comfort and reassurance that You’re aware of what I’m experiencing. If You’re real like I believe you are, I need You to reveal yourself, because I’m having a hard time seeing You.” I finished my prayer, and then waited through another lonely and sleepless night.
Later that week I retrieved the family mail, and was surprised that there was a letter addressed to me. In an age of e-mail and text messaging, I found it odd to receive a written letter. Even more curious was that it was sent by my friend Kelley, who lived just down the street. Noticing it was dated June 8th, I quickly opened it, and pulled out a pink piece of paper:
Daniel, I just wanted to write you a note to see how you’re doing. I’ve been praying for you lots lately…God’s really laid you on my heart lately, and I don’t know why yet, but I felt like I need to continue to pray for and encourage you. God works in mysterious ways, so maybe me being inspired to write you a note is part of a bigger picture I can’t see…
In His service,
Kelley,
(P.S. Sorry the paper is pink!)
Matthew 11:28-29
What an answer to prayer! Full of emotion, I sprinted to her house. I asked about the note. She explained, “It was funny, I got home from a volleyball tournament totally exhausted. I flopped on my bed and was instantly asleep. But I woke up in the night and couldn’t get you off my mind. I’d never done anything like that before, but I just felt I had to write you that note.” “Out of curiosity,” I asked, a chill running down my spine, “do you remember what time you got up to write it?” She thought for a second and then nodded, “Yeah, I remember looking at my clock…it was 3:15 a.m.”
I’ve never been the same. As I was still praying, God was answering. That night God revealed that He never abandons or forsakes me, no matter how difficult life may be. Have you ever felt like maybe God isn’t hearing your prayers? Or feel like you’re facing the world alone? Be encouraged to know that God is always there, even if you can’t always see it.
That night God showed me that He was with me during my insomnia, but I still was without an answer to why He was allowing me to suffer. Next week I’ll conclude my story with how God’s purpose was fulfilled in powerful ways.
Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
What do you think? Join the discussion »
About the Author
Daniel Blackaby is a junior in college, living in Simpsonville, SC. His biggest passions in life are music and literature. He plays guitar in a Christian rock band and also plays bass guitar, drums, and keyboard.
Apart from playing music, Daniel loves to listen to all types of music and has over 700 CDs on his iTunes. He admits he’s a huge nerd who loves to read and enjoys collecting classic literature. He loves to hang out and have a good time, but his primary goal is to try and live life to the fullest and glorify God in everything he does. You can contact him by email at boonster11@hotmail.com.
Read more about Daniel here.
