Brigette Wagner Ministries

              “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you…” ~1 Peter 5:7

One of the well-known travel agencies has coined the phrase “wanta get away”.  There are days – sometimes weeks – when I think, “Beam me up, Jesus!”.  Ever felt that way?  You know….you feel the pressure from small things, large things, and in-between things.  Then,  just when you think you’re going to experience some “leveling off”, you look up into the beautiful blue sky and find that a bolder has just dropped and is about to land right on top of your head.  Oh, yes!  I know you understand what I’m talking about!

I have found that everytime we do something great for the Kingdom of God, the enemy wages war against us:  Why?  Because he’s scared!  He knows the best way to keep us from moving forward into greater things and experiencing the awesome joy of the Lord, is to cause discouragement and frustration in our lives.

When satan makes a plan, it usually involves hitting us from unexpected sources so we’re not “ready” for the attack.

This week has been a challenging – yet rewarding – week for me, personally.   In fact, I told a friend of mine on Monday that I would be glad when Tuesday arrived because Monday would have passed.

During this week of challenges, God brought me to this old, old song that I haven’t heard in years.  This song was written by a Methodist minister, Rev. Frank Graeff, during the 1800’s.  One of Rev. Graeff’s “greatest assets was his cheerful disposition”.  So much so, that he was “dubbed the ‘Sunshine Minister’ because of his radiant personality”.

After many disappointments and heartbreaks, Rev. Graeff “found himself in the unfamiliar valley of deep depression and despondency”.  At the point where he was ready to give up, God gave him this song.  It’s been a blessing to me this week.  I hope it will bless you, as well.

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained, too deeply for mirth and song;  As the burdens press and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?

Does Jesus care when my way is dark with the nameless dread and fear?  As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed to resist some temptation strong;  When for my deep grief I find no relief, though my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye to the dearest on earth to me, and my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks, is it aught to Him?  Does He see?

OH YES, HE CARES; I KNOW HE CARES, HIS HEART IS TOUCHED WITH MY GRIEF; WHEN THE DAYS ARE WEARY, THE LONG NIGHTS DREARY, I KNOW MY SAVIOR CARES.

Yes, Friend,  you can know with absolute certainty:  HE CARES!

**Quotations taken from “Then Sings My Soul” by Robert J. Morgan**

    “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter….”  Isaiah 64:8

“It was Christmas Eve in the Austrian Alps.  At the newly constructed Church of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf….”  As Father Joseph Mohr “prepared for the midnight service, he was distraught because the church organ was broken, ruining prospects for that evening’s carefully planned music.”    What Father Mohr was about to witness would be Scripture fulfilled as God takes “all things and works them together for good to those who love Him”. 

Father Mohr sat and quickly began writing “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright….. “  His organist, Franz Gruber,  composed a simple but beautiful tune to accompany the words to this magnificant song. 

On December 24, 1818, “”Silent Night” was sung for the first time….”  It was so well received that it eventually made it’s way to the “attention of the king and queen”  when  “the Strasser children [a children's choir in that region] were asked to give a royal performance, assuring the carol’s fame”.

We now know and love this beautiful, heart felt song, that touches the hearts of every Christian who hears it each year at Christmas time.  But, “were it not for a broken organ, there would never have been a “Silent Night”".

We can’t always see the good in the various situations we encounter in life.  Sometimes, our circumstances are more serious than other times; and we feel discouragement and  frustration, or even hopelessness and desperation. 

My friend, whatever your circumstance today, please know without a doubt that God loves you more than words will ever be able to express.  Know for certain that He WILL take your circumstance and bring good out of it.  Remember, He sees what we cannot see and knows what we cannot know.  Hang in there!  Your victory is just around the corner!

**Quotations taken from “Then Sings My Soul” by Robert J. Morgan