I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I felt him saying, what are you going to do if I don't heal her? Are you still going to serve me? Love me? Trust me? My answer then was it is now, Yes, Lord I will trust you, serve you, love you. Though we might not always like the answer, God is still in control. He works things out for our good (Romans 8:28), even though we may not see it at the moment. We will go through hard times, Jesus promised that. John 16:33 says
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world
He made this statement to his disciples to prepare them for what lay ahead. But he also tells us that today. We will have troubles. We will have sicknesses. It's part of living in this fallen world. A scripture a lot of people quote is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." We see it at sporting events. And, of course, it's true. But when Paul said that, he wasn't talking about God being with us as we succeed. In the verses prior to 13, Paul is telling of his struggles (vs 10-13)
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.
Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content
whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Paul wasn't talking about God giving him strength to be successful, he was saying that no matter the situation, God gives him the strength to do what ever he is called to do. Maybe that is scoring the winning touchdown, but more likely it's to withstand the struggles of this life. So, if you find yourself in a struggle of some sort, know that God is there for you. Call on Him. He provides the peace that surpasses understanding. I don't know why he didn't cure my mom on this earth. But she is cured now. Though I still miss her everyday, I know that she has complete healing and is no longer hurting or sick. Her legacy of servanthood still lives on in those who loved her and is being passed on to others.
October 2019
As I sit here at the beach on a beautiful October morning, I watch the waves come crashing into the shoreline. I think this is one of the most beautiful sounds God ever created. I call this my happy place because this is where I feel the most peace and calm and hear God's voice the best. I'm not sure whether it's the place or just the fact that I slow down enough that I can hear God's voice. Maybe both! I love all of nature. Being at the lake is beautiful. I love hiking to a waterfall. I love visiting gardens and working in my own. But it's something about the beach that calls me to be still and listen. One of my favorite verses in the bible is Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." God has blessed me with a few days to be still and listen to Him.
In a few short hours, storms are scheduled to roll in. The sun will be covered by clouds and rain will fall. Maybe even a few thunderstorms. That's kind of like the seasons of life, isn't it? We have days that will be calm, everything beautiful and going our way. Then, sometimes without warning, the clouds roll in and we are in a season where things are tough.
I had this tripped planned for a few weeks. I knew I needed some rest from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You see, my life gets kind of crazy in the fall. I love it, but it's crazy. School starts back (I am a teacher) as well as cross country is in full swing (which I coach). Long days and weeks from the beginning of school until mid November when xc season ends. But then we go into the holiday season so it really doesn't slow down a whole lot! Always, go, go go! The spring really is not much better because competition season begins for Culinary and FCCLA as well as prom. It's really hard to "be still" and find time to listen to God. So I really felt like I needed this break.
It has been a good restful few days. Time in God's word. Time enjoying His creation. Time to reflect and get re-centered. And just in time. You remember at the beginning of this I mentioned how seasons change. Well, it's that time. Not only are we moving from summer into fall (the weather in Alabama is just now figuring out it is supposed to be fall!!) but my family will be moving into a new season as well. You see, we just got news that a beloved member of our family, our matriarch, has been diagnosed with cancer again. The prognosis is not what we would hope for. But we are still believing in a miracle. Our God can cure whatever he wants to. He is bigger than cancer. But sometimes he chooses not too. We don't understand why. As I was listening to Him this morning, my spirit spoke to me that "I gave you this time of rest to prepare you for the fight ahead." I don't know what that will entail, but I do know that my God goes with me. It has been said God doesn't waste a hurt. As we walk through this battle I will be adding my thoughts, prayers, struggles and whatever else we face. Maybe it will be able to help someone else. Maybe it's just a release for me. Either way I am following His lead.
In a few short hours, storms are scheduled to roll in. The sun will be covered by clouds and rain will fall. Maybe even a few thunderstorms. That's kind of like the seasons of life, isn't it? We have days that will be calm, everything beautiful and going our way. Then, sometimes without warning, the clouds roll in and we are in a season where things are tough.
I had this tripped planned for a few weeks. I knew I needed some rest from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You see, my life gets kind of crazy in the fall. I love it, but it's crazy. School starts back (I am a teacher) as well as cross country is in full swing (which I coach). Long days and weeks from the beginning of school until mid November when xc season ends. But then we go into the holiday season so it really doesn't slow down a whole lot! Always, go, go go! The spring really is not much better because competition season begins for Culinary and FCCLA as well as prom. It's really hard to "be still" and find time to listen to God. So I really felt like I needed this break.
It has been a good restful few days. Time in God's word. Time enjoying His creation. Time to reflect and get re-centered. And just in time. You remember at the beginning of this I mentioned how seasons change. Well, it's that time. Not only are we moving from summer into fall (the weather in Alabama is just now figuring out it is supposed to be fall!!) but my family will be moving into a new season as well. You see, we just got news that a beloved member of our family, our matriarch, has been diagnosed with cancer again. The prognosis is not what we would hope for. But we are still believing in a miracle. Our God can cure whatever he wants to. He is bigger than cancer. But sometimes he chooses not too. We don't understand why. As I was listening to Him this morning, my spirit spoke to me that "I gave you this time of rest to prepare you for the fight ahead." I don't know what that will entail, but I do know that my God goes with me. It has been said God doesn't waste a hurt. As we walk through this battle I will be adding my thoughts, prayers, struggles and whatever else we face. Maybe it will be able to help someone else. Maybe it's just a release for me. Either way I am following His lead.
