Hi.
It’s been awhile since I’ve been here–sitting at my computer contemplating what the Lord would have me share with you. It’s hard to think about normal things when my normal has changed so much. So I think I’ll share with you where my mind goes in times like these. It applies to all of us at one time or another–for we’re all destined to face hardship, pain, sadness and separation from those we love in one way or another.
The Lord in His kindness led me to read, Trusting God Even When Life Hurts, by Jerry Bridges beginning in October. It has proved to be a timely book for me.
I have been reminded through this book how important it is to believe in God’s sovereignty over all things.
It is in the difficult times that we’re tempted to think things are spinning out of control. But this is not the case. God is sovereign over the affairs of men–this includes our good times and our bad times. But He is not in control like a slave master over His helpless subjects. No, He is our Father who knows us and cares for us, so much so that He has numbered every hair on our heads.
I have found myself lately praying a portion of the Lord’s Prayer over and over, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” I don’t know what is best for me in light of eternity. I would most likely choose the path of least resistance because I don’t like pain. But we all know how beneficial it is to experience pain from time to time. Consider the following examples:
- childbirth
- having a cavity filled
- setting a broken bone in place
- saying no to what you want to spend your money on because you have 5 mouths to feed
- training for a marathon
- physical therapy to regain the use of injured muscles after an accident.
Yes, pain has it’s purpose. When my mom was dying a very good friend prayed that He would complete the sanctification process in her life so she would be released from this life to embrace the next. What a thought! God uses all we go through to sanctify us–this is a fancy word for making us more like His Son, Jesus.
2012 was not a fun year for me.
- Tom lost his job in an industry we both loved for over 3 decades.
- He lost his job on my birthday.
- My daughter and her family continue to live away from us.
- My church family experienced much hardship.
- My choice for president didn’t make it to the White House.
- And it all ended with my Mom’s passing leaving me numb and sad.
But listen to Mr. Bridges words:
Trusting God in the midst of our pain and heartache means that we accept it from Him. There is a vast difference between acceptance and either resignation or submission. We can resign ourselves to a difficult situation, simply because we see no other alternative. Many people do that all the time. Or we can submit to the sovereignty of God in our circumstances with a certain amount of reluctance. But to truly accept our pain and heartache has the connotation of willingness. An attitude of acceptance says that we trust God, that He loves us and knows what is best for us.
Did you catch that? We can receive God’s will, submit to God’s will, but if we don’t accept it as good from His hand we will not find the joy hidden in the pain. There are many who have faced far worse hardships than I’ve ever experienced and yet, managed to exhibit such a joy in the midst of the pain that was infectious.
Joni Earekson Tada – became a quadriplegic from a diving accident at the age of 17. She has found a joy she didn’t know prior to her accident.
Jeremy Camp – lost his wife a short time after they were married. Yet his testimony isn’t what you’d expect.
So, today will you join me in asking God to help us ACCEPT his will for our lives? I believe there is a freedom waiting for me I’ve yet to find and a joy that rises above the disappointments.
The Romantic Vineyard 
I love you Debi & pray this will be a much better year for us all. “Trusting God” is one of my all time favorites & has helped me walk through many dark times. So many times remembering these truths & knowing His sovereignty is the One thing that helps me continue in faith. Thankfully we know Him & can hold on even when we do not understand.
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You are so right, Elyse. Thank you for being such a good friend to me through it all! Love you.
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We are SO trusting God with you and Tom through this heart-breaking time –to accept the difficult as well as that which appears to US to be good, and yet… it’s through the tough times that we see HE is good. May you sense God’s presence as you put your hope in Him –even through times of tears. Please know that you are continually in our prayers. –Cindy and Steve
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I just now came across something that I hope will minister to you and to others who will take the time to view the following video by The Skit Guys. You are God’s original masterpiece… I pray you always sense it. God’s Chisel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QCkBL2DfVg
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That’s such an excellent video, Cindy. Thank you for sharing it with me. I’m ready to Skype again whenever you’re available.
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I appreciate this blog and posts that you write. However, I wish you had left politics out of this post. Not all Christians are Republicans. Some of us are Democrats and some of us appreciate being able to focus and share fellowship and praise and prayer without being reminded of our political differences.
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Courtney,
It was not my intent to bring politics into this post, in fact it was a small bullet in regards to the entire post. I’m seeing that God’s will is not always what I’m hoping for , but learning to accept it and trust Him. I’m grateful you took the time to share your thoughts. Please know you are very welcomed here.
Blessings,
Debi
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I should also say add that I just said a prayer that this next year is a better one for you and your husband. I know I could use the God’s grace and patience as I enter 2013. Peace.
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Thank you so much for praying for us. We feel it in many tangible ways. I pray God leads you this year to the peace He has for you.
Debi
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Thank you. Your blog has been inspiring to me as this has been my first year of marriage. I am trying to turn to God and have faith that everything is according to His plan and His timing. I would enjoy hearing about ways you and Tom overcame any early adversities or what you did to create such a strong foundation together when you were starting out. That was how I stumbled on your blog in the first place!
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Courtney,
I’ll email you privately so we can talk. I would love to share with you some things we’ve learned.
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I would LOVE that! Thank you, Debi! That means a LOT to me. I could use some advice from someone who has such an amazing outlook on life and marriage. I look forward to hearing from you.
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