To the best of my ability, I answered them theologically, explaining God's sovereignty, and offered to pray...
But God is so much more mysterious to me now; He just can't be explained; His ways don't always make sense; He doesn't fit in the nice little box I thought He did...BUT...this one thing I know and this one truth I hold fast to...
GOD is GOOD!
And though I don't always understand His ways...I am determined to trust His heart.
Dear friend, I don't know what you are facing today; you may be facing huge obstacles; you may feel as though you have no strength left; you may be wondering in your heart "Does God still see me?" "Has He forgotten me?" "Does He still care?" If that's you...let me draw up beside you and encourage you that you are not alone! I don't have all the answers, I can't explain all the mysteries of Heaven, but I do know this...
God is near to us; His Word declares that He is close to the broken-hearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit.
You see, I've discovered a common theme throughout Scripture--God's people face insurmountable odds; their faith gets tested; their trials bring them to the end of their strength; and as they humble themselves in complete surrender--God answers!
Personally, over the last couple of years, God has taken me on a journey of surrender, calling me to relinquish my security, positions, and prosperity, exchanging them for dependency, humility, and faith. Through this process of humility, I've come to understand that I just don't have all the right answers. I don't understand why God makes the decisions He does...But...I've also never been more convinced of WHO GOD IS.
God is gracious, merciful, loving, forgiving, all-powerful, and most of all faithful!
AND, like you, I am committed to take my anguish, disappointments, and suffering directly to Him, knowing that He hears and He cares.
We may feel like David felt in Psalm 31:9-17 when he prayed, "Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak...( But we need to pray as David prayed in that same passage) "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you..." (NIV)
We may wonder like David did in Psalm 77:7-15 when he asked, "Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" (But we need to remind ourselves as David did when he thought to himself) "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High." I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people..." (NIV)
Friends, when life doesn't make sense, and it seems like all hope is gone...the fact remains...GOD IS FAITHFUL and HE IS GOOD. And, He truly is working ALL things together for our good! NEVER GIVE UP! PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD!
PRAYER: (Taken directly from Daniel 9:17-19) "Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." (NIV)
:), love you & your ministry! Pat D
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