As most of you know, for the past seven or so months Seth and I have seen some of our best friends go through immense pain, suffering and loss. During this time, I have cried out to God harder than I ever have. Almost to the point of not being able to anymore because of the pain and hurt that didn't seem to subside. But, I continued to seek the Lord trusting in the fact that He is who He says He is. That He
- has a plan to proser us and not to harm us Jeremiah 29:11
- works all things together for our good Romans 8:28
- does not separate us from His love Romans 8:38
- won't disappoint those who have placed their hope in Him Isaiah 49:23
- hears when we cry out to Him and delivers us from our troubles Psalm 34:15-18
I also learned, experientially, that no matter how "good" I am or how hard I pray that it does not give God the "right" to answer my prayers. Sounds ridiculous just saying that out loud but I truly learned this to my core. He is God. Not me. He has a BIG plan that started back before creation. Just because I am a "good" American Christian, I don't get everything I ask/pray for. He is using this and other difficulties and situations to sanctify me. He knows what He is doing. His thoughts are not my thoughts and His ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). They are actually far above mine! He sees the big picture, the beginning and the end. I can't.
Even in the midst of great sorrow and pain, He has shown His love and faithfulness for His people. Walking through a situation like this isn't easier when you have trusted Jesus as Savior but it is full of great hope and assurance. This great sadness is not the end.
Even in the midst of great sorrow and pain, He has shown His love and faithfulness for His people. Walking through a situation like this isn't easier when you have trusted Jesus as Savior but it is full of great hope and assurance. This great sadness is not the end.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
I have learned so much as we have walked with our friends through this. I hope to continue sharing what God is teaching me. Stay tuned.
1 comment:
I love hearing your heart, Kristen, thank you for sharing what God is teaching you. I just can't imagine what they have been through...so heartbreaking...
I've had moments like you mentioned, wondering why God doesn't answer like I thought He would. Wondering if I (with the emphasis on the word "I") didn't pray just right or if there was something else I didn't do, but I was making it all about me...taking away the reason for faith, the essence of faith: Him.
He told me to have faith like a child...to see Him as my daddy God...to know that no matter what happens, He's got it. Also, to not forget that He is bigger than anything and can handle anything...He is able. Nothing is impossible; He just might not work like we think He will. It's obedience to hope and trust and pray and claim, just not ok to hope and trust in ourselves.
Sorry...totally talking to myself in this comment...still learning...hard sometimes. Praying for all of you...love you guys :).
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