No pictures today... just some thoughts & sharing from my heart.
I seem to know so many people who are going through some very difficult times right now. Some I know well, some only slightly, some only through others. Some are facing the most difficult situations in life: sudden death of a 13 year old only child; fighting a seemingly losing battle with leukemia that had seemed to be in remission; a 10 year old child with leukemia who suddenly had a stroke; a young father with a brain tumor diagnosed just before Christmas.
Others are facing on-going trials: a friend's daughter determined to end her marriage impacting all of the family including her own two children; a friend who finally had restored use of an injured foot after months of physical therapy only to be "hit" with rotator cuff; fatigue that has no explanation even after a myriad of tests; a marriage that has grown cold between husband & wife (multiplied many times for various reasons in each family); misunderstandings between friends; loss of employment; lack of direction; rebellious children/teens; aging parents; frustrations in relationships; and the list could go on & on.
These aren't just "things people go through"; these are things directly affecting real people that I know! It could be overwhelming, yet God..
These are the trials that test our faith. These are the ones that ask us, "Do you really believe in God's love & sovereignty?"
A quote I read on a Caring Bridge site this morning helps me to look at it from God's perspective.
"There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God's sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe trials, they believe that sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, that sovereignty overrules them, and that sovereignty will sanctify them all. There is nothing for which the children ought to more earnestly attend to than the doctrine of Master over all creation- the Kingship of God over all the works of his own hands- the Throne of God and His right to sit upon that throne... For it is God upon the Throne whom we trust.". C.H. Spurgeon
Our human response is naturally to try to figure out how we can fix it, overcome it, deal with it, blame it on someone else, ask "why me??!!!" But if we truly believe what God says, then we have to lay it at His feet & humbly ask for His direction, His peace, His comfort, His presence, and humbly confess our inability to understand, to "fix", or even to accept.
The only true answers we have come from Scripture:
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12: 9,10
It is one thing to endure... it is quite another to be content with "weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, & calamities!" Learning contentment is a process, fine-tuned by God.
My prayer for all who are in the throes of these things is that they would draw near to God and experience His mighty love, the peace that only He can give, and the courage to meet tomorrow with Him.
And I'm asking Him to make me a true prayer warrior, looking to Him to meet the needs and to give the peace available only through Him.
8 comments:
Yes, my heart is heavy for so many right now too.
So thankful for the HOPE we have in Him, regardless of the human outcomes.
It can be so overwhelming sometimes when we keep hearing of those hurting around us... and when we are facing trials ourselves. The quote from Spurgeon was much needed. God is in control and will use all things to His glory. So thankful for His ever-present help... and as Gretchen mentioned above, HOPE. Hugs to you!!!
Thanks Sandy. Like the quote from the prince of preachers especially.
this is a huge virtual hug for all who come here, sandy. thank you for your heart for people, and your heart for truth.
i am constantly (re)learning that life is a series of opportunities to bring it all to God. He wants us to bring Him our trials, our pain, our wrestling, as much as He wants us to bring Him our joys, our delights, our dances. for that is the only way to move from endurance to contentment -- to keep Him as central in our lives, not the hardship. when the weary & heavy laden come to Him, He indeed gives soul rest. He IS soul rest.
and i know i've shared this quote w/ you before, but when 2 cor. 12:9,10 is mentioned, i just can't help but share it again:
"every cross is a message from God, and intended to do us good in the end. trials are intended to make us think, to wean us from the world, to send us to the Bible, to drive us to our knees. health is a good thing, but sickness is far better if it leads us to God. prosperity is a great mercy, but adversity is a greater one if it brings us to Christ."
- J.C. Ryle
and that right there is the beauty that comes from ashes.
A worthy God for praise, worship, and faith. Hugs, dear Sandy. And prayers. God be with ye.
Thank you for this wonderful post! I've been thinking a lot about all the tragedy around us that has me so distracted, and heart-broken. What we can all learn through these difficult times? Treasure the time we have with our loved ones. Teach our children to cling to the Lord and seek after Him above all else. Trust Him in all circumstances, and He will bring peace and comfort. Pray without ceasing. Thanks for the reminders.
My yearning for heaven has been renewed. Like never before I look forward to eternity in heaven where none of the grief and pain is present. And in the yearning, I am compelled to finish this race well...arm in arm with those around me who are hurting. Like you, I pray that He will draw me into prayer.
Well said and big amen to your thoughts, my friend. On the front of the bulletin on Sunday it reminded us to encourage one another Today and that we need it because of sin's deceitfulness--Hebrews 3:13. So thankful for His promises and for dear friends who strenthen our hands in the Lord and that we come to a throne for those we care about that is one of grace and mercy. Love the quote by strength in weakness.
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