One benefit to the AMAZING privilege to walk beside people through difficult times is the chance to see how active and present our God is. When they also recognize it, well...I'll let you read it.
There is so much going on (in me) with not only what is happening in my family, and basically "life" right now...but within all of that I see God at work. Not in dramatic gestures, but in changing who I am within these circumstances. Being able to feel and accept the sorrow, grief, fear and yet hold on to my ultimate hope in Christ. Finally being able to see that my foundation and worth is in Christ.
What others are doing - whether it's my kids or my family (who are being real jerks by the way) - is not a reflection of who I am, and is really not about me. I know that you get it, but it's one of those things I'd love to be able to put into words.
How do I describe what it's like to finally be able to truly bring all my fears and sorrow to God, to cry and feel pain that all of my life I blocked and hardened myself to...and yet at the same time know that God is with me, that even if my very worst fears come true (which there are plenty of), God will sustain me.
To believe that God IS good and regardless of the circumstances, choices others make, or how truly lost this world can seem...I know God has ultimate authority and victory through Christ. I can even trust that if I don't see the results in my lifetime...the healing that I was so hoping for in my family and children....that I can still trust that God is greater, there are things I can't see or won't understand or can't answer, but I can trust that victory means victory. The resurrection was God's victory - whether I see it or not.
I know that all sounds very religious...but I think it's pretty amazing when religion gets real.
Yeah, me too. I think they found the words quite beautifully!
Thank you for your story. I personally know that what you are saying is absolutely correct. When something happens major in one's life there can only be faith in God that will ultimately sustain us. If that is religious so be it. Good luck to you in your journey in this life to reach the next. PTL
Posted by: joanne brewer | October 22, 2010 at 02:58 PM