In the last 24 hours I discovered a dear, young friend has been diagnosed with MS, talked at length with a friend facing a heartbreaking time with her child, listened to a woman cry over the strain over very difficult financial situation and the toll it is taking on her husband.
Yet, just today, I have also rejoiced with friends over the dramatic healing in a marriage, a pull towards foreign ministry, the impending arrival of a long awaited child (after infertility) and progress towards overcoming addiction.
In each of the latter conversations we were mindful that real seasons of pain had preceded the joy. Without darkness, we cannot fully appreciate light. The dark days made the current progress all the more miraculous.
"We can trust that God loves us enough to allow into our lives only those things necessary to position us for an experiential, abundant relationship with Him. Don't be afraid...No matter where He takes us, our greater good in on His heart."
-Priscilla Shirer, One in a Million
The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds." Psalm 145:17
"God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
When you don't understand,
When you can't see His Plan,
When you can't trace His hand,
Trust His heart."
-NewSong
6 comments:
Hello Ms. J,
This has come with perfect timing. My devotion this morning (Blackaby) spoke of this very same thing...Seasons. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter--each of them play a vital part in bringing forth life and growth.
Thank you!
::Taylor
I really needed to be reminded of this, especially the "Do not be afraid ..." part. Thank you.
Jesus said, "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight.." (Matt 10:27) ...
I also have posted on my desk, "Don't doubt in the darkness what He has promised you in the light".
Thank you for this reminder today. I love the quote by Priscilla ... "No matter where He takes us, our greater good is on His heart." Wow, to always keep that in our heart is a calming thought.
It's been said and it's true, that it is always the darkest before the dawn and Jesus is our bright and morning star.His light in our hearts and lives is what gives us the direction we need in every season of our lives. God is using you in such big ways, you bless my heart. Thank you for sharing and for being willing to be used by Him. Your family is blessed to have one so obedient.
Hello! I have been reading your blog for awhile now (I found it off of my friend, Jessica Rowe's blog). I think your family is beautiful, and I always love reading your insightful words/thoughts. I had to finally leave a comment this morning to let you know how much this blog post encouraged me. I recently had a miscarriage and woke up today feeling so discouraged and disappointed. God used your words to encourage me this morning and it was wonderful to be reminded to trust in the Lord, even through the dark times/when you don't understand His ways. Thank you!
Laura Krauss
HE continues to speak to me through people like you. Needed this today, just to be reminded that HE is so good, even during this season in our lives.
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