Christ in the Clouds

Monday, April 15, 2013

Endurance in Pain and Suffering

The past few days have me once again writhing in pain...not continuously, but off and on. Enough, though, to keep me crunched down on the couch, not wanting to be productive in any way.

I have suffered these painful days each month for many, many years, now. I'm used to them...almost am sure they will always be a part of my life, even though I am guaranteed that this phase of my life will soon pass. Many women can relate to the suffering I speak about. I have been to numerous doctors and none have been able to fully help me.

There are some days I wonder what it is all about...
Why me?
How much more will I have to endure?
What am I to learn from this?

The most well-known book in the Bible that talks about suffering is the book of Job. If you have ever read it, you might have found it less than inspiring, as I did, especially if you read it while experiencing suffering in your own life. This man lost everything in his life and even suffered physical pain. He did come to a point where he even questioned his life on earth. His wife and friends even questioned Job and God's ways.

But God is not in need of the approval of man. (It is only the reader of the book who learns of God's conversations with Satan; Job himself remains unaware of the reason or source of his sufferings.)

Job wrestles, not only with all questions thrown at him by others, but God's rebuke of him questioning his Creator. God demands Job to be brave and to respond to his questions. God’s questions are rhetorical, intending to show how little Job knows about creation and how much power God alone has. (38:1-42:6)

I'm reminded of these questions and the answer in this song by Nicole Mullen.

Overwhelmed by the encounter, Job acknowledges God’s unlimited power and admits the limitations of his human knowledge.

In the end of the book, Job is restored to health, gaining double the riches he possessed before and having new children. He lives a long and prosperous life after that.

When good people (those who "fear God and shun evil," 1:1) suffer, the human spirit struggles to understand. Throughout recorded history people have asked: How can this be? If God is almighty and "holds the whole world in his hands" and if he is truly good, how can he allow such an outrage?

Righteous sufferers must trust in, acknowledge, serve and submit to the omniscient and omnipotent Sovereign, realizing that some suffering is the result of unseen, spiritual conflicts between the kindgom of God and the kingdom of Satan -- between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness (cf. Eph 6:10-18).

"We never know how much real faith we have until it is put to the test in some fierce storm; and that is the reason why the Saviour is on board. If you are ever to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, your strength will be born in some storm." - Anonymous

"This hard place in which you perhaps find yourself is the very place in which God is giving you opportunity to look only to Him, to spend time in prayer, and to learn long-suffering, gentleness, meekness – in short, to learn the depths of the love that Christ Himself has poured out on all of us." - Elisabeth Elliot

Endurance, faithfulness, steadfastness as you can see are synonymous with perseverance. They all mean that God will test us at times, cause us to use our faith to be strengthened, and that we will go through hard times. However there is a promise for us if we persevere. There is a reward. Not only is the reward in heaven when we get there, but God will learn that He can trust us with the hard things. He can trust us with the important things. He can trust us with the things He holds most dear to His heart.

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees."

Psalm 119:71

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith; the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." Romans 5:3-4

Sharing today all the blessings Christ has shown me and rejoicing in Him alone!!!
at "Multitude on Mondays".
1,301 - Getting some much needed rain.(even though I am getting tired of all this rain!)
1,302 - A relaxing, long walk...taking pictures with my new camera!
1,303 - Being able to visit with my niece in the hospital, even though little "Ellie Joy" was not getting visitors, as she was in the neo-natal unit.(weighed only 4 lbs., 12 oz.)
1,304 - Ellie Joy's health improving slowly each day.
1,305 - Internet/bloggy friends...so many who have written words that encouraged me when I was struggling.
1,306 - Another encouraging sermon (on friendships) at church this Sunday.
1,307 - A warm day, with no rain!
1,308 - Getting closer to finishing remodel work on our upstairs.
1,309 - The Lord reminds me that even though I may be in pain, He will comfort me.
1,310 - Having something sweet for dessert) (pecan pie), after a delicious dinner (Chicken Enchiladas)
1,311 - Seeking God's presence, praying for Him to comfort those who have friends/family who were injured or died in the Boston bombing...again, reminded that He sees and knows all that is happening.
1,312 - Thankful that my family is safe and well.

Also linking over to these blog hops:
Hear It on Sunday/Use It on Monday (Michelle DeRusha)
Weekend Brew (My Freshly Brewed Life)
Soli Deo Gloria Party (Finding Heaven)
Sharing His Beauty (Beauty In His Grip)
Titus2sdays (Time-Warp Wife)
Gratituesday (Heavenly Homemakers)
Winsome Wednesday(My Daily Walk in His Grace)
Wednesday's Word (He Cares for Us)
UNITE (Rich Faith Rising)

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

When You Finally Feel Understood.

Wow! Is it really Tuesday, already? The last week seems like just a blurr to me! Ever have weeks like that? I'm so thankful that we at least have been having some warmer (though windy) weather the past several days, plus some rain here and there!

It's been a week of long work hours, emotional ups and downs, extra time with friends, and shopping for a long-awaited new camera.

It's also been a week of feeling frustrated. Have you ever tried to tell someone how you were feeling and didn't really feel like your were being heard or understood?

I am so grateful to have Christian friends who are great listeners and know me well enough to give me support, helpful criticism, and yet let me feel understood. I also felt encouraged by our pastor, who gave a sermon on Sunday on the very subject that I was struggling with.

God's timing is amazing!

It's not easy to trust God's timing, though. I know my first reaction to not feeling understood was to withdraw and be resentful. I knew, though, I needed to pray that He would let me know that He especially understood what I was feeling(as He always does). And then He later provided me with others to support me along the way.

I'm also grateful that I didn't get to post on my blog till today, because that allowed me to have time to read Ann Voskamp's post first (HERE). These words she wrote touched my heart,

"...there’s not one of us who hasn’t lost something, who doesn’t fear something, who doesn’t ache with something. I wanted us to turn to the hurting, to each other, and promise it till we’re hoarse:
We won’t give you some cliche – but something to cling to — and that will mean our hands.
We won’t give you some platitudes — but someplace for your pain — and that will mean our time.
We won’t give you some excuses — but we’ll be some example — and that will mean bending down and washing your wounds. Wounds that we don’t understand, wounds that keep festering, that don’t heal, that down right stink — wounds that can never make us turn away.
Because we are the Body of the Wounded Healer and we are the people who believe the impossible — that wounds can be openings to the beauty in us."

In the midst of my frustrating and emotional week, I felt the touch of caring hands, a caring heart that made time for me, the washing of my wounds!

What a renewed and refreshed experience to feel understood!

"Since then we have a Great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Giving thanks today, as I continue to count my blessings, and joining others at "Multitude onMondays".
1,292 - A loving God who understands me, when I feel misunderstood!
1,293 - A special friend, who also showed her love and compassion!
1,294 - Warm, spring days.
1,295 - A timely and encouraging sermon.
1,296 - Getting a new camera! I've patiently waited till we could find time and had money available. (I will be posting lots of pictures, as soon as I get the hang of this new toy!)
1,297 - Another loving text from my son, plus a brief phone call.
1,298 - Having lunch with an old college friend: sharing, laughing, and encouraging one another!
1,299 - My niece, who had a healthy baby girl yesterday, April 8! I mentioned her baby shower a few weeks ago, HERE. Little Ellie Joy weighed in at 4 lbs, 12 oz. 17 and a half inches long. She came early (was due May 6). Mom and baby are doing well.
1,300 - My brother(read his story here and here), who was near death, just 2-4 months ago, is able to hold his first grandchild today! Thank you, Lord, for healing him!!!

Monday, April 1, 2013

Do Not Be Foolish

Today is April 1st (April Fools Day)

My hubby, the jokester, called me from work and told me about his "crazy" morning.

We have had an unwelcome visitor (a muskrat) on our propertylately, so his story caught my attention.

He said he was in the yard early this morning and got chased by the muskrat His story was so dramatic-sounding and he had my full attention. After going on for about 2 minutes,
he chuckled and said, "April Fools!"

Yeah, he got me good.
I had believed him, hook, line, and sinker!

Lately, I've been reading through the book of Proverbs. There are numerous admonitions on wisdom in this book. Over and over again, King Solomon warns us to be wise.

In the first 5 verses, it says:

"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴for giving prudence to those who are simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
⁵let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance— "