....for any one person to know what the future holds. I was chatting with a friend today. She is angry and mad that God allows such terrible things to happen to people. It's not right, it's not fair and gosh darn it she's mad. I think it's safe to say that we have all felt like that. She asked my thoughts about where God is in all of this.
I shared with her that I believe God protects our hearts always when we are seeking His will in our lives, giving Him the praise and the glory He will always protect our hearts. But in a sinful world we are all subject to pain and suffering. It's not that God "allows" it. We allowed it when we turned our backs on Him in the garden of Eden. Pain came into our world and God gives us free will. In that freedom sin and darkness are present.
Last night Josh Osteen was on some random channel. I listened to the last five minutes of his sermon while David was getting ready for bed. He had this big smile on his face, blinking eyes and said something along the lines of this...I get so excited for a person when I see the depth of their trial. If they are truly seeking God in that trial, the height of how he is going to use them is something to truly get excited and smile over. I smiled along with him.
I even laughed and chuckled to myself. Every single time I go through something hard, I talk with God over how I would like the outcome to be. I pray for that outcome and really does it ever go down like we want it to? Instead something even more amazing comes along and I come back to realizing that I am way better off seeking God's will in All things, because truly in ALL things He's got it covered.
Please continue to pray. I have a spinal tap scheduled a week from Tuesday to determine the pressure in my head which will then give direction as to the treatment. Scared? Heck yes!!!!
oh, my dear dear friend...my thoughts are continually with you...
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, You and your family are in my prayers daily.. I have heard Joel Osteen, and he is wonderful. He has such faith.. and presents it in such a way, that you feel that he is speacking directly to you... I love your post.. you are so strong.. Your right, God is not doing this to you, Sin is, but God will get you through it. I'll be praying for you on Tues, even more than usual. Lis..
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wisdom today!!
ReplyDeleteI will continue to pray for you and your family. It's not easy to go through things like this. Your post was so encouraging to anyone who is facing a difficult time.
ReplyDeleteJust before my cousin was burned so badly someone gave her a poem that included the words "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it." She has held onto that -- and isn't it the truth? Although at times we don't feel it. We just rest in His promises.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you. I will pray Tuesday you have a good outcome that will be able to give you some good direction in the way you should go.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think Mr. Osteen smiles way too much! But I love your smile and your capacity to look at life from an extreme angle right now. How does one begin to wrap their mind around the possibilities? How does one put words to pain and suffering and the pull of surrender accordingly. I do agree with Osteen in that it is often in our darkest hours that we hear our Father the clearest.
ReplyDeletePerhaps because we are freed up from the "stuff" that really doesn't matter to focus on, instead, the stuff of significance. God has already used you in my life, friend. He will continue to use you, perhaps in new and relevant ways, but he has always used you. Disease and affliction is just another avenue for that using, and I am confident that you will find your footing in due time.
By the way, your son is precious beyond words. I know that you are glad to have him in your world. I'm so glad for my oldest son, who is the joy of my heart and a great big brother to the other three.
peace and rest by your portion this week. I'm praying for you.
~elaine