The past few days have been difficult emotionally for me. I can't really explain why. Nothing has changed. No new appointments or information. I still know that God is in control, He is good, His plans are good, He is love and He loves my family deeply. None of that is different. I know that it's true and I believe it with all my heart, but last week I was full of joy and this week I'm just weepy. I guess sometimes, in the midst of His goodness, we are still faced with hard. And He gives us the strength to keep moving forward.
Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." I imagine that even though you won't be burned, it's probably still pretty hot walking through the fire. I think this is such a good picture of the hard and the good together. We are protected and safe. He is walking this journey with us, but sometimes we'll still go through hot spots.
I think these are the times when it's the hardest to keep my eyes set on the One who holds all life in His hands, but when I'm able to it's so much easier to see the little miracles that He's working all around - like when a loved one shares just the right thing at just the right time. Yesterday, my cousin was texting me and said "There is a reason God is letting you raise this baby." That instantly brought me out of my weepy spiral back into the hope of God's good plan. 2 friends texted last night as I was growing a little sad and fearful before bed. Just the right words at just the right time. Seth's dad texted me this morning that he thought I might get some encouragement from a song by CeCe Winans - Believe for it. He didn't know I've been struggling this week and he also didn't know about my blog post last week where I talked about that song popping up at multiple crucial times. A friend also shared last week that she read that blog post last week before work one day and then it was playing the moment she started her car. I could give you so many more examples of friends and family sending a devotional or verse that feels like it was written just for me in that moment.
Thanks for reading this and walking with me. It helps me so much to write these reminders out, and I hope it encourages you too, in whatever journey you are walking right now. Community, both near and far, lifelong and recent - God definitely uses people to be His love notes to us. In the past I've really had a hard time knowing what to do when friends and loved ones are struggling or just going through a difficult time. I'm learning now that even if you don't think you know the right words, just reach out. If something comes to mind that you think might help, ask specifically and directly if they would like you to do that for them. The day we first found out the news, our close friend and pastor reached out and said, "Can we bring your family Sparticus pizza at 6 pm tonight?" It was exaclty what we needed. I couldn't have chosen what to eat or asked someone to bring us something. (And this is not an underhanded way I'm requesting food, lol - We are good now - just an example of how something small can go a long way.) So much love to all of you!
No comments:
Post a Comment