Why....

I am going to tell you a story.   This is a true story about a family from my church.  This family is a beautiful example of Faith in God.  The thirteen-year-old daughter in this family was admitted to the hospital almost a month ago.  She had a persistent fever and a rash, then septic shock.   All of this has lead to many complications that has her currently in a vegetated state with no answers, only questions.  This family has endured so many trials and so many emotional days, that it is hard to comprehend how they are getting out of bed in the morning.  That is except that they know Jesus, a loving and faithful God.  While I do not know them well, I still pray for them every day.  I stand amazed at the work God is doing in their lives.  The mother is one of the first people who tried to be a friend to me when we joined our church.  We attended her Sunday school class and another trying to decide where God wanted us.  While we ended up in another class, she is always showing God’s love to me whenever, we see each other.  She is a blessing.

In all of this I wonder why?  The strangest thing is that the answers to the why continue to come straight from those faithful parents.  Here are a few verses that they have used as their prayer rocks in this difficult time:

• “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT

·         "In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge" Proverbs 14:26

·         “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 NLT

• “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9 NLT

·         “Lord you are more precious than silver, Lord you are more costly than Gold, Lord you are more beautiful than Diamonds, and nothing I desire compares with you. This is my song and my prayer for the day. I want to desire nothing, including my daughter getting well, except for God in my life. Here I am Lord, use me today for your glory.” –written by the mother of the family.

·         "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10.  So I have to keep my mind and heart still and rest in the comfort and peace of knowing the one true living God. –written by the father of the family

Amongst all these comforting verses, these parents are hurting, but their faith seems unshakable.  While I know, there are many quiet moments of tears and wishing things were different; this is what they choose to share with the world.  This is their testimony to God.  The answer to all the why questions are for God’s purpose and plans, and refuge is only found in Him.  When I get to heaven, I often think I want to walk the streets of gold and ask Jesus all the things I’ve always wanted to know.  For now, I am going to stand in amazement at how God is showing himself through these faithful servants.  This time and circumstance is painful beyond what I can imagine. There are no words to describe the angst this family is feeling.  I am hopeful because the Lord hears all, and knows all. Isaiah 40:31 confirms the gift of hope:

 “31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”   

I have hope in the Lord, that he is meeting their needs, not their wants but their needs, and they will “not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  I believe that in their example, they are planting the seeds for the salvation of many. 

As the Christmas season approaches so many of us will be preparing for family meals and parties.  We will be so busy with life and celebrating the season that we will find ourselves reflecting less of God and more of the world.  After watching this family struggle and praying for them daily, I want to be better this year.  I want my CHRISTmas season and every season to be more about reflecting God.  This family has touched my heart, as a sister in Christ my heart aches for them.  I find myself asking, how do I show God in my life?  When I react to the situations of life and the CHRISTmas season, am I acting the way God truly wants me to?  Am I showing his love, mercy, and grace?  I don’t know, but I am determined to be more conscious about it.

 

Today, in conclusion, I ask that you please life this family up in your prayers.  Let us bombard the Lord with prayers of love, let’s cry out this CHRISTmas season, with prayers of love for God, love for one another, and let’s make our lives reflect God everyday.

This is my mindset, now I want to hear yours!