It's felt a bit like a landslide around here lately.
The difficulties we were already experiencing were compounded when we found out that Tom's position would be cut to part time...in so many ways that I can't even begin to count them. We have one child on the cusp of her teenage years and all that entails (plus some) and another who is struggling to breathe during this season of nearly daily weather changes. Spiritually, financially, emotionally...we are hurting.
But through this all, God has found ways to speak to and strengthen my heart. I've been listening to Moody Radio quite a bit lately, finally getting the solid teaching I've been missing and craving for so long. I've been doing the Today in the Word study they provide, a day behind...which in it's tardiness has been perfect every single day. I've been finding new ways to worship. And I picked up again the Beth Moore study I set down a few months ago, and have been finding in it also what God wants me to hear.
Today it was Psalm 136 (click on the link for the entire Psalm)...
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
My world feels like it is a landslide right now, but God's love endures forever.
Just as He brought Israel out of Egypt, He will bring us through this.
Just as He created the sun and the moon, He is even now creating a way for us.
We have an inheritance in Him that can never be denied.
His love endures forever, and in the midst of this landslide I will give thanks to the God of heaven for He is good.
Oh, my sweet friend...we have very different landslides...and yet, have much the same feelings about them...Its sometimes so hard to really see beyond right here and right now. Even when we have the knowledge that this is temporary, a going-through place instead of a stop and stay place, we fight to see God as bigger than "this" (whatever this is.)
I feel as though these times are times of increased heat, of more rapid refining by fire than in the past...as though things have sped up and we must be more quickly pruned and character-built in order to be ready and to do the job. Its as though all around me I see Christians struggling and and enduring and trying to wait with patience. John 3:27 struck me hard yesterday: "John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." I interpretted it to mean not a blessing, not a ministry, not a hardship, not a struggle...all things pass through His hands...I'll be honest...in my current struggle, I'm asking WHY GOD!?!?!?
The children's Bible I sent to you some time back, ended up on our shelves too this last Easter. I love how the love of God is translated in that Bible...it is something I hold onto...how God loves us with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.
Hallelujia and AMEN!!! I'm standing strong with you, sister. If you need, please let me know. I will do whatever I can.!!
Posted by: chksngr | November 17, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Life is hard -- but God is good.
I am encouraged by you Sam!! I am proud of you for turning to and standing solid on the Rock. You are so right, He IS making a way for you & you will see it at some point. For now, you are staying in the light!! Right where you belong. And you are loved.
Posted by: Bretts Mom | November 17, 2010 at 04:05 PM