Have you ever been through a major building project or remodel at your home? You know, it always takes longer than estimated and something unexpected is sure to happen along the way. One wrong move and the whole structure of the house is changed, leading to cracked walls and a falling ceiling. The same thing can happen in our personal lives. So, what do you do when life as you know it takes a U-turn? When you’re hit in the gut with devastating news that impacts every aspect of your existence?
During the past month I’ve had to deal with these questions. I’ve gone to places and feelings that I never dreamed would be part of my life.
My initial reaction was to cling. To cling to the Loving Heavenly Father with Whom I’ve developed a relationship and deep trust through the past decades. It’s been a time of realizing that though the circumstances of life are changing in ways I wouldn’t have chosen, the Giver of Life remains the same. God is good all the time. All the time, God is good. I remembered that this incident didn’t take Him by surprise. That there are lessons He desires me to learn as I walk through it, and character traits He wants to develop. The worst thing I can do is to waste this experience—to be the same a year from now as I was before the roof caved in.
I don’t know what challenge you’re facing right now, but know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Cling to the Lord and remember His promises. Turn to Christian friends for prayer and support. Be honest about how you feel. Expect to hurt, but also expect to grow. Accept the peace God offers. And remember He is the one who can put your house back together, even when shingles blow off and beams collapse.
“God will strengthen you with His own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient.” Colossians 1:11
4 comments:
Just finished reading the blog you posted a few minutes ago. I'm so thankful to God that the little five year old who came to me all those years ago, wanting to ask Jesus into her heart, still has a heart that is asking Jesus to come in....to teach her....to strengthen her....to give her the oil of gladness instead of mourning. Bless you, sweetheart. Love, Mom
I love you so much and am praying for you during this rough time.
SoCal mooch
I've been praying for your family for days now and will keep it up. Beth Moore in "Believing God" talks about those times in life--sometimes mere moments--that separate us from our old lives and change things forever. But it sounds like you already know the prescription Beth Moore gives for dealing with those times.
Thanks to all of you, both family and friends, who are remembering us in prayer. It really means a lot!
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