Some days I feel as if I’m in the front lines of a battle where I’m outnumbered 1,000 to one. I’m fighting for truth, hope, and joy, but the fiery arrows of affliction continue to fly from every angle. I’m fighting the temptation to grumble, get angry, and stomp my feet defiantly at the daily… Continue reading Impossible Circumstances Are Where God’s Glory Shines the Brightest
Tag: Suffering
Abundant Joy is Found in the Presence of Christ, Not in the Absence of Pain
“Oh Lord, for years I have prayed for answers, healing, and understanding in this suffering you have allowed. Yet they have seemed not to come. Many have prayed to you on our behalf, as we have sought wisdom from the doctors you provided, and have longed for redemption of what's been lost. By your grace,… Continue reading Abundant Joy is Found in the Presence of Christ, Not in the Absence of Pain
Suffering is a Gift of God’s Grace – Part 2
Because we live in a world that has promised us instant everything, we struggle when we feel powerless to change or remove unwanted things from our lives. Paul gives us insight into God’s purposes for allowing trials and suffering to continue in our lives, that we might reap the fruit of endurance. Endurance… Continue reading Suffering is a Gift of God’s Grace – Part 2
Restore to Me The Joy of My Salvation
My husband and I recently sat in on a meeting to discuss the options, challenges, and hurdles of our child’s special needs. As we sat surrounded by several specialists, listening to them list the problems at hand, a lump began to grow in the back of my throat in an attempt to fight back the tears… Continue reading Restore to Me The Joy of My Salvation
Live As You Are Called
I admit, I have felt discouraged lately in my pursuit of health. After being told by my doctor that after two or three months of a porridge only diet, my stomach would hopefully be healed enough to begin eat normally again, I am still unable to tolerate food. While I am confident that this journey… Continue reading Live As You Are Called
Four Lies We Believe When We Are Feeling Lonely
There is no denying that many roads of suffering are incredibly lonely ones. Yes, it is true that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9), and often there are more people who can relate to our suffering than we realize. Nevertheless, these roads are often still lonely. I remember when one of my… Continue reading Four Lies We Believe When We Are Feeling Lonely
Suffering Is a Vessel of God’s Grace to All
No one likes to suffer. When an illness or trial arises, we naturally seek answers and, if at all possible, a quick resolution. At times, we are so desperate for an escape that we willingly accept a "quick-fix" in order to relieve the pain, despite the fact that we may be ignoring underlying issues and… Continue reading Suffering Is a Vessel of God’s Grace to All
Though He Delay, He Will Be Faithful
My heart is hurting today. Contentment, peace, and joy seem nowhere to be found as I have felt a fresh blow of the devastating challenges that come with my child’s special needs. Once again, I am reminded that life is not at all as I expected it would be. Pain, fear, exhaustion, and confusion have… Continue reading Though He Delay, He Will Be Faithful
Finding Freedom in the Wilderness
“How long, O Lord?!” I prayed through tears over my son after a long and painful battle with him. I forced myself to pray despite the anger and frustration stirring in my heart. He burst into tears and cried, “I don’t know why I am like this! I don’t want to act this way, but… Continue reading Finding Freedom in the Wilderness
When God Doesn’t Seem Good
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. (Nahum 1:7) Last spring, we were anxiously awaiting our upcoming vacation to Florida. Even more than in years past, I was desperate to get away and catch my breath from all the hardships and stresses that were pounding… Continue reading When God Doesn’t Seem Good