Sunday, March 23, 2008

Thoughts on suffering...

Often times I find myself wondering how a God of love, a God of peace, a just God could allow such suffering in this world. I have wondered why God would take my children from ME, a follower of Him. I have wondered how a God who loves me so deeply could allow such heartache in my life. I look at those around me who have endured losses, sickness, and suffering of their own and wonder why God doesn't save us from all of this pain. If he loved us wouldn't he save us from pain and suffering? It is easy to think about all of this with our limited view of things and think that God must be turning away from us.

If we look to the Bible for answers to this however we will find that God is a God of love, a God of peace and a just God. He keeps his promises. The thing is that He never inteded for us to live in the world that we live in today. He never promised that bad things would not happen or that we would not suffer, but he did promise to always be there with us offering grace and comfort that only he can provide. Sometimes it is hard to look past ourselves and see that. We are a society of instant gratification. We think it should go like this...problem, prayer, answered prayer exactly as we have asked for it to be anwered...This however is not reality. It is difficult sometimes not to feel singled out or targeted, but if we again look to the Bible we will find that often times the ones who suffered the most were those God trusted.

Being that today is Easter I am reminded of the suffering that Jesus endured. God allowed his own son to endure a suffering unlike anything we could possibly imagine. Imagine what life would be like had he spared the suffering of His son. God promises us that he will be with us through suffering and that if allowed He will use it to bless us more than we can imagine. I have to believe that this is 100% truth. I know that because of God though things may seem unjust, unfair and unbearable, great things are yet to come. I know that because of Jesus' suffering I do not have to worry about where Isaac and Asher are now. I know that they have been made whole and are happier than any of us could possibly imagine. I know that though Howard and I suffer here without them, good things will come from our suffering. It is only through God that suffering can become blessing. Today I will rejoice because of these truths, because God chose us to bear this load and will use us for mighty things.

"Dear friends do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ." 1 Peter 4:12-13

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service." 1 Timothy 1:12

Thank you God for not allowing our suffering to be in vain and thank you Lord for giving your son so that we may have eternal life!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you on this most holiest of days. May God's grace, love and promise for the future fill your hearts today.

Rachel said...

Just wanted to let you know I am still checking in n your blog and stil praying for you. I imagine tomorrow may be a hard day after getting home and then celebrating Easter tomorrow will be a little harder with Howard returning to work and you busy with all of your thoughts and your laundry. I will be sending thoughts and Prayers up to heaven for God to continue to comfort you.
Rachel in PA

Laurie in Ca. said...

Thinking of you today and sending Hugs and Love to you. I continue to pray for you and Howard and the boys as you make the adjustments to life back home in the weeks to come. My heart is with you on this Easter Sunday, thanking the Lord for the sacrifices He made for us, that we might have Hope today. Please know you are loved here.

Love and Blessings, Laurie in Ca.

Anxious AF said...

Thanks.

Kenzie said...

Kristy-

Through the pain of loss, your words are still so filled with hope, and with great praise. He WILL bless you in this suffering and you are right, your boys, my boy, and many other little ones are perfect in His arms tonight. I love you and continue to lift you guys up as you walk this fresh road.

Glad you made it home safely!

Love much,
Kenzie

Hilary said...

Amen!
I think of your family often and continue to keep you in my prayers.
Thanks for continuing to share your story, your heart and your faith!

Michelle said...

I know I have never posted but I check in often and think of you often. You are the strongest woman I have ever 'met'. I know you may not feel strong but it shines through the words you write on your blog. This is a beautiful post, thank you! God bless.

The VW's said...

"Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." These are words from a song, but I truly believe this. Although, I also believe that God answers ALL prayers! He answers them the way they should be and what would most benefit us and others. Your story and the lives of your precious boys are an answered prayer! You are suffering tremendously, but you are also being used for a great purpose! I know that! Your suffering is a blessing to so many by just reading your site! Thankyou for sharing your story.

May God give you His grace and strength today and always!

Alicia

Melissa Dovel said...

He IS doing a might work in you right now:) Prayer is being answered just maybe not compleatly revealed.

Blessings on your revelation of hope & peace.

Melissa

Ohilda said...

Amen! I came across your blog about a week ago and am truly inspired by your words and your love of our Lord.

Thank you for sharing.

Ohilda

Catherine said...

What you said was extremely touching and so true. Thank you for taking the time to put it out there for everyone to see and read.

Anonymous said...

I am glad that you all got a chance to get away and had a wonderful time. It was great to see you and all of your boys. Let's try to do it again soon.

Amanda

Anonymous said...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23682263

Check out this link on perinatal hospice care