My soul weeps
because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word.
Psalm 119:28
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Just as the disciples we have all been jolted and jerked by
life. We have danced with sorrow and are familiar with grief and loss. If you
are reading this and have not experienced sorrow, prepare, for you will know
sorrow as surely as the sun will rise tomorrow. Earth’s journey is peppered
with sorrow and with it are eternal benefits.
God’s purpose is to conform us to the image of
the Lord Jesus. God had one Son, without sin, but not without sorrow. AS
Sorrow’s benefits, though unbearably painful, are rich in
results. We are driven to Christ and become living proof God is faithful and good.
We find we do not have to face life on our own, but Jesus walks with us and lovingly
carries us when we cannot take another step. Sorrow also reveals the truth of
who we are inside; the bad and the good.
We find out quickly if we are living by feelings or walking
by faith. In our weakness fear snakes in, as it did for the disciples, robbing
us of hope and truth. We are left with a choice to believe His word or our
feelings. He offers us strength in Christ; strength we didn’t previously need. It
is the life shattering trials that keep us from mistakenly thinking we are in
control. Oh that we would surrender, trusting He is near, for we are more sensitive
during a trial. Praise Him, for He is using this trial to prepare you for
whatever is ahead!! God’s Word lives and speaks to us as never before,
strengthening our faith while truth is gained. I encourage you to run to the
Psalms for consolation. God’s word protects and instructs us. Trials and
suffering expose pride and sin, especially the sin of ‘unbelief’ and He gently waits
to lead us to repentance. How gracious that our Savior hears the cry of our
soul… ‘Help, LORD!’
As for God His
way is perfect. The word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all
who take refuge in Him. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a
solid rock? God arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. (not easy) Psalm 18:30-32
If God is trusting you with a great trial of sorrow, remember
it comes wrapped in His loving kindness. God is no man’s debtor and you will
benefit from this trial. Choose faith. Choose to trust Him before the sorrow ends or makes sense to you. Put no time
restraints on God, for He makes no mistakes: ‘as for God, His ways are perfect’.
I have heard said, ‘God never uses anyone to a large degree, until after He’s
been hurt deeply.’ Determine to endure, to finish well. With God ‘all’ things
are possible as you surrender and choose by faith, to receive everything as from His hand. (no second
causes) It is then we prove He is
faithful beyond imagining and in His abundant His grace, you will not just
endure, but you will endure with joy! The best is yet to come!
Dear brothers and
sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has
a chance to grow. So let it grow… James 1:2-4
Endurance is the result of determination,
discipline, and the willingness to suffer in order to achieve results. CS
“We cannot do good to others save at a cost to
ourselves, and our afflictions are the price we pay for our ability to sympathize.
He who would be helper must first be a sufferer.” JHT
Blessed be
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of
all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to
comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we
ourselves are comforted by God. II
Corinthians 1:3-4
Father, You have much to teach me through my
trials. Make my heart soft to Your touch as You create the likeness of Your
only Son, Jesus in me. Let me be quick to seek shelter under Your wings while
the storm blows and buffets me relentlessly. I want to surrender and trust You,
and rest in You. I long to know resurrection power and I can only experience
that where I count myself crucified with Christ. I want to be living proof of
your love and faithfulness. I pray this for my sisters and brothers that Your
glory may be the hunger of our hearts. I pray in Jesus Name my Risen Savior,
‘And God shall wipe
away all tears from their eyes’ Revelation 7:17,
much love, az
