We all want to go through life enjoying every moment and free as a bird. Yet, that is not how life is. Jesus warned us that in this life we would have trouble. So why are we surprised when it comes knocking at our door? Do we just want to believe the things that He said that are enjoyable and ignore the things that seem unpleasant?
Some believe in “Karma”…if you do good, good will come to you. If you do bad, bad will come to you. From what I’ve experienced in life, I can’t believe in that. That’s not to say, that you don’t reap what you sow. That is entirely different. I have to admit that I’ve reaped consequences of what I’ve sown, even if intentions were good.
I missed church this last weekend, but just today I listened to the online version. It was an excellent sermon that really got me to pondering. The pastor mentioned knowing the Word of God, so that we can know how to fight the enemy. We need to know “what is written…the Word of God”. I am so thankful for the Word of God. I have to admit, that since I have been retired, I don’t get as much done. I enjoy spending 2-3 hours reading and hearing from God. Sometimes, He reprimands me, sometimes He brings me comfort, sometimes, I just shake my head and say, “You are so right!”. (Of course He IS ).
I have been reflecting on my life as a whole. When I lived at home with my parents, siblings and grandmother: this was a really hard time. We worked the farm, took care of my grandmother and our main focus was just to get through each day. I did not attend a single sporting event, dance or the like because there was work to be done at home. My grandmother was an extremely hard situation. She caused much conflict and yet, I learned much from that experience. Patience! Little did I know how much God was preparing me for more hardship. My mother had severe mental illness and taking care of her was quite challenging at times. Leonard and my relationship through the years have had many dark places. Yet, God has given me what I needed to carry through and to stay faithful to what He wanted me to do.
We have been through many hardships with both of our kids and currently are walking beside them both as they go through their individual sufferings. I have to admit, that it is during these valleys that I have drawn closer to God and even in the midst of heartache, I can see His goodness to me and others. I have never been one to ask “why”. I guess that it is not my place to ask. I know there is always a reason.
When the pastor mentioned Proverbs 3:5,6, it brought back memories of when we first found out that our grandson had cancer. During that difficult time, these very words kept going through my mind. God gave me these words that brought me comfort many times when he was going through treatment. From my experience, I found that when I did lean on my own understanding, I was filled with fear. Yet, when I just looked to Jesus and focused on Him, He gave me peace to go on.Some days, I had to do this again and again. To be able to go through the day without feelings of devastation. He continues to use this very verse when I put my thoughts on the situations in our lives.
It also brought me to remember that when we came back from Seattle when our grandson was first diagnosed…my dear sister in Christ gave me a song. She said that she thought the Lord wanted her to share it with me. At the time, it upset me a bit because I did not want to think that we were right where we were suppose to be. Yet, this song has brought me much peace as I have “just been held”. Maybe this song can bring you comfort too. You can listen here:
This also confirmed to me the importance of acting on what the Lord tells you. I am so thankful that she lives her life listening to the Lord’s prompting.
. My Dad said that the Lord had shown him so much mercy despite his many physical ailments. May I say the same, because He has.No, we don’t like suffering, but from my experience it brings us closer to the Lord and I am so thankful for that! He has walked beside me, through me, with me. I pray that I will always live with grattitude in my heart
We Are the Lucky Ones 