I'm not sure exactly where to start, but I think I will just dive in. I recently met a couple of girls that are friends of a friend and we ate dinner together and immediately connected through being sisters in the Lord and had lots to talk about. These two were setting out on a year long road trip with the idea of serving and ministering along the way. (You can follow their blog HERE) Tucson was their first stop and then they headed to Colorado. I got their information so I could be praying for them along the way and maybe even make some connections of people that could really use some encouragement as they visit different states where some of my PCD pals live. Little did we know how much I would be praying for them, but in a very different way. They left and headed to Colorado to help out one of their family members when they got the call--Alyssa's Mom had died suddenly. Thankfully, she was a believer and now sees Jesus face to face but plans had to change immediately (Insert Proverbs 16:9 "Many are the plans in a mans heart, but the Lord directs his steps.) and they packed up and headed back to California. I cannot even begin to imagine the grief they are going through right now--as close friends, Alyssa's Mom was like a Mom to Nicole as well, so they are both deeply grieving. Not only that, but Nicole has several other family members and friends that are not doing well physically and could attend several more funerals this year. My heart breaks for them, but we all know the One who is the Great Physician and He often takes us down paths we would never choose for ourselves, but we are able to bring Him more glory in the midst of the suffering.
A dear friend I shared about a couple years ago, Alisa McCormick, started a blog called "Grieving with Hope" after losing her 24 year old son in a motorcycle accident. (You can follow Alisa's blog HERE) I know that is a path Alisa never would have chosen herself, but I have referred multiple people to her blog who have lost loved ones as she so transparently shares her journey with grief. Alisa and her family have been heavy on my heart over the last couple of years as my brother, Justin, almost died in a motorcycle accident almost 9 years ago, so it hits really close to home.
A couple of my close friends are overwhelmed with different circumstances in their lives and Friday was a very overwhelming and difficult day for myself as well. On Sunday after church, we were all hanging out as we shared about our struggles of the week and circumstances that we are all struggling with I just had to stop and laugh. Nothing we shared was funny and we had all shed multiple tears this last week but it just hit me that although our circumstances that we were each struggling with were very different, our hearts were all in pretty much the same place--weary and very discouraged and ready to "throw in the towel" and give up. Thankfully these friends of mine and I know what God's Word says and as we each shared our struggles, the others would gently point out our sin and what lies we were believing and remind each other of the truth found in God's Word and the character of who God is. Sometimes when we are struggling and feel like life is spinning out of control, we tend to run to passages that tell us "Do not be anxious" or "Do not get angry" or "Forgive" and these are all truths and passages that are important. However, when I'm REALLY struggling and don't have any hope what I need most is to remember God's character--He is loving, kind, merciful, faithful, long-suffering, good, gracious, majestic, unchanging, powerful, all knowing and so many other things. I must remind myself that there is NOTHING I can do to add to my salvation--Jesus paid the full price at the cross and there is not even one tiny drop of wrath left for me--Jesus took it ALL. When I fail again and again to trust God and His PERFECT plan for my life, I need to remember His grace and that it's OK that I am not perfect--because nobody on this earth is.
I have another friend who is a single Mom with health issues and struggling to make ends meet. A long time family friend is battling against Melanoma for her life. Another family friend and missionary is starting chemo and struggling with depression. Another misdionary friend in Zambia is having some complications with her pregnancy thst could be dangerous to the baby and her. Multiple PCD Pals are in the hospital, including several of the PCD kiddos. Noah Coughlan is continuing his Run For Rare Diseases (you can find out more about this at his website HERE) and everyday posts a video of someone who is suffering from a Rare Disease. As rare and as difficult as PCD is, there are so many other diseases that are just horrible. Batten disease is a neurological brain disease that kills kids between the ages of 6 and 12 as they lose motor control and become bed ridden and then die--and there is no cure. I could go on and on at how heavy these posts make my heart, while at the same time making me grateful for the health I DO have.
Our finances continue to be stretched to the max as we transition between jobs and getting set up on the new health insurance. My lung and sinus infections are not going away, so I'm in the process of going round and round with the insurance company, doctor's offices, and specialty pharmacies trying to figure out where to get my medications filled. In the midst of all of this, there is thankfulness and great joy. In times past all of these things and more may have sent me spiraling back into a depression--just writing them down is making my head and heart spin--but I know that I cannot carry these burdens at all, but I know the ONE whom I can run to and who holds all of us in His everlasting arms. He is always on deck and in complete control of all of the storms in my life and the lives of those near and dear to my heart. My friends, keep your eyes on Jesus and an eternal perspective. Jesus says in John 16:33, "I have told you these things that in Me you may have peace. In the world you WILL have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Scripture also reminds us to not be surprised at the fiery trials that come into our lives to refine us. I recently came across a quote I love from a devotional called "Beside Bethesda" by Joni Earekson Tada:
"There is a divine mystery in suffering, one that has a strange and supernatural power and has never been understood by reason. For no one has ever developed deep spirituality or holiness without experiencing a great deal of suffering. When a person who suffers reaches a point where he can be calm and carefree, inwardly smiling at his own afflictions, and no longer asking God to be delivered from it, then the suffering has accomplished it's blessed ministry...At that point, the pain of the crucifixion has begun to weave itself into a crown."
~Mrs. L. B. Cowman~
If you are struggling today my friend, take heart--God is at work to refine you and mold you into who He wants you to be. It's not easy and the going often gets really tough, but cling to Jesus and His finished work on the cross and He will carry you through the darkest of valleys to the other side where One Day there will be no more sorrow or suffering because of sin! Know you are heavy on my heart and I am praying for you! I would love to know how to specifically pray for you so please comment below on how I can be praying for you right now!
In the love of the Lamb,
Rachelle :)
 |
| The beauty of the mountains covered with clouds--we may not always see the beauty of the "clouds" in our lives, but take heart because God doesn't waste a nanosecond of our suffering! |
No comments:
Post a Comment