As I look at today’s date, I recall that last year on this day, my husband and I were in the Emergency Room. That night they sent him by Emergency Ambulance to another hospital because he was in heart failure. It was the beginning of a long ten days, followed by a year of challenges and often a difficult, painful journey.
GOD'S THUMB PRINT
Reflecting on my year, I know God has been with me. I can see his thumb print on my life those years before Charles passed. He guided us to a church that would have a profound impact on my healing process. He provided family and friends who would help sustain and support me through harrowing days of waiting, and then navigating life and standing on my own.
This journey has provided me with the ability to do things alone I never thought possible. I’ve grown in my faith and purpose in God’s plan, even though I still am not sure, just what that is! But above all, this journey has allowed my Charles to be at the feet of Jesus.
GOD'S PRESENCE IN PAIN
I’ve heard it said “that gratitude doesn’t deny pain— it acknowledges God’s presence in it”. Some days it’s hard to be thankful because I don’t like where I am emotionally, and even physically in the sense of being a widow. Still I know God works through the pain and helps me grow in endurance and faith.
TRIALS COME TO EVERYONE
I’m certainly not alone in my circumstance. There are others who face even greater trials than mine. Recently with Hurricane Melissa going through Jamaica and other nearby islands, the devastation is real and profound. I can’t imagine losing so much (and perhaps so many) at one time.
How long will it take to recover? There are some who may not. Still we can know that God is good and will heal those who trust in him; even as the pain remains long and deep.
GOD CAN USE EVERY PROBLEM
Problems are all around us; medical issues, financial destruction, relational, job loss and more! And there are children who face cancer or other diseases which tear at the heart of parents. No parent wants to see their child suffer.
I recall a situation where a young man had serious heart issues. The mother told her son she wished she had the power to make him well, or at least do something that would create positive changes.
His response surprised her. “I don’t,” he said. “That’s not God’s design. God is Sovereign. There is a purpose behind everything that happens. God is in control and I will trust Him. If He wants to heal me, he will. If not, then I will deal, and wait to see what God wants me to do with my life, and serve Him, even as I wait.”
BUT WHY?
As humans, even believers, we try to give the fight to God, even while asking, 'why my child'? But then, why any child? Why anyone? Why do we have deal with sickness, pain, sadness, violence, brokenness, poverty, hunger, death or anything that is ugly? No one wants to endure pain and suffering.
We live in a fallen world. We can’t always “fix” what is wrong, but we do have choices. We choose how we respond to situations. Will we choose to be angry, place blame, ask why, and allow our lives to be filled with bitterness? Or will we choose to respond with thankfulness — not for the pain—but the ability to get through it? The young man with heart disease is a great example of a strong faith who believes he was put on this earth for a reason and rather than foster ugliness in his heart, projects joy, acceptance, and a positive attitude. Isn’t this what Jesus asks us to do?
WHEN WE CAN'T DO IT ON OUR OWN
It isn’t easy to be strong, exude faith and confidence when life seems to be upside down and inside out. We are a people who want things to go right, smoothly, comfortable and perhaps even easy. But is this where we grow? In a life with no trials, do we end up believing we no longer need God; we can do it on our own?
WE ARE NEVER ALONE
God promises to always be with us. It doesn’t mean we won’t face trials and have problems, sometimes really big ones! And we won’t always understand the 'why', but we don’t have to. God is Sovereign and knows the beginning from the end. Our job isn’t “to know…. " It’s to trust and lean on a God who loves us so much, He sent Jesus. When we lean on Him, we can experience comfort and peace which passes all understanding, and this leads us to a heart filled with thanksgiving--even when life is hard.
No comments:
Post a Comment