Engaging the Heart of God
Sharon W. Betters
Today’s Treasure
I met Darci Steiner through her book, Beauty Beyond the Thorns - Discovering Gifts in Suffering. As I read her story, I thought, “I must have her as a guest on the Help & Hope podcast.” Darci’s gracious acceptance of my invitation emboldened me, and I asked if her husband, Mark, might join us. Another gracious acceptance! Darci and Mark’s lives were turned inside out and upside down when Darci nearly lost her life after a debilitating fall down the stairs in her home. She was later diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and spent years with such horrific pain she could not tolerate even a sheet touching her body. Darci was bedridden for two years, wheelchair-bound for another two, and then in and out of a wheelchair for an additional two. Her husband, Mark, immediately took on the role of caregiver for Darci and all the extra responsibilities of raising their two little girls.
In our Help & Hope conversation, Relentless Pain – Beauty Beyond the Thorns, Darci and Mark speak frankly about how Darci’s chronic illness changed everything about their lives, except their love for one another. Darci describes the losses of parenting her girls, taking care of her family, and giving up ministry in her church. Isolation from friends and her church family added to her physical and emotional pain. After our conversation, I felt as though I had just welcomed two new friends into my life. Since then, Darci and I have encouraged one another by partnering in ministry and praying for one another. I’m so happy to tell you that Darci once more graciously accepted my invitation to partner in ministry, and you are the beneficiaries!
Darci began seeking God’s heart through the Psalms after developing the severe nerve-pain disorder that is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Despite her extensive ministry experience, it was her wrestling with excruciating chronic pain that became her prominent teacher in experiencing the Lord. Darci has learned through her research on the Psalms how to better engage with the heart of God. Through her writing, speaking, and counseling ministries, Darci teaches men and women to experience God through seasons of suffering. As a nutrition counselor, she also assists others in the physical and emotional healing process.
In this week’s devotions, Darci shares some of the treasures she has unearthed in her study of the Psalms. In Friday’s devotion, Darci writes:
“Have you considered how the enemy distracts you from accomplishing your purpose, goals, and dreams? Many times, it's because we take on too much, and when we can't juggle all the grocery sacks, they fall to the ground, crushed, and our dreams with them. Just yesterday, I said no to a podcast host who produces a fantastic podcast. I declined because it doesn't align with my current mission—to complete my book proposal and prepare for a speaking engagement. Sometimes, saying no, even to good things, is necessary so our primary goals don't get diluted. Seasons and tasks change, so agreeing to this podcast interview will likely be included in a different laser-focused goal down the road.
David wrote Psalm 18 after his war victories over foreign enemies (2 Samuel 8:1-14). We see how David, not dividing his attention between winning wars and building a temple for the Lord, was able to defeat the surrounding enemy nations! God kept him on track when tempted by distraction for another good thing. That "good thing" would happen, just not by David's hands or in his timing.
With David focused on his calling, God used him to defeat enemy nations whose land would go to the Israelite tribes. Was it hard? Of course! But God turned the dark times into light. Was it worth it? Absolutely! David learned that with God, he could advance against troop after troop and even scale their city walls (ramparts)!
God didn't remove the walls for David to overtake the cities protected by them. Instead, God taught David to work hard and give all he could, and God would add the "extra" to David's ordinary. From Psalm 18:
It is God who arms me with strength (v32)
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer (v 33)
He trains my hands for battle (v34)
You stoop down to make me great (v 35)
David humbly gave God credit and glory for his wartime victories. He knew he wasn't alone, even though God didn't remove the walls. We can't expect God to remove walls He wants us to scale with Him. Humbly, we give our all to our mission, run toward the wall, and trust God will help us scale it. Walls help us grow and develop trust in Him.
We become equipped for God's work not in the public square but where others are unaware. Humility grows in secret places behind closed doors where no one sees except God. Cultivate your relationship with God in hidden places to equip you for His tasks. Stay laser-focused and undistracted; God will help you scale walls for His glory!”
Friends, Darci’s words and wisdom are hard-won through years of digging deep into God’s word in her search for hope when her illness put her aside from all the things in life that brought her joy. But God did not waste those dark days, and we are the recipients of the treasures in the darkness the Lord gave to Darci.
Surely there is someone you know who can benefit from this week of devotions. Pass them on, leave a rating on your favorite podcast platform if you are listening rather than reading, and feel free to reach out to me with questions or comments at markinc@markinc.org.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
P.S. Learn more about Darci Steiner on her website. Follow Darci on Facebook as well as Amazon to receive notifications of when her Psalms devotionals will be available.
PRAYER
Oh Father, thank You so much for this opportunity to share such good wisdom from the Scriptures. As we think about the callings that You give to each of us, learning to be focused and not distracted, I pray for each one of us today. I know that I needed this good word from Your Word. Thank You Father for Jesus, and I pray for anyone who is seeking, who doesn’t know him, that You would turn their hearts toward Your precious Son. Amen.
