Overcome then Become
“Mom, why I am going through this? Why is God letting this happen to me?”
Almost 365 days ago we started on a journey with our daughter that I never one time anticipated. It began with complaints of joint pain. We chalked it up to growing pains and playing volleyball. The pain persisted. Since January we’ve seen multiple doctors and specialists complete with x-rays, MRI’s and more vials of blood than I can count. We finally found our way to Levine’s Children’s Hospital. It was September 5th and I could barely get her in and out of the car.
Throughout the year I’ve been a cheerleader – encouraging her, praying for her and telling her not to worry – “it’s in God’s hands”, I would say. I’m trusting, I’m believing, I’m praying but I still hadn’t quite seen the big picture of the circumstances surrounding us. But recently the purpose of this journey was revealed. Early October I paused my Old Testament reading and went back to John. I think I’ve said on our weekly Facebook posts that this is one of my favorite books in the Bible. Please read it and study it! From John I kept going……and the books of Acts and Romans, well friends it’s radical. It will change your life!
In Acts chapter 2 it all came together, like the final piece of a really hard jigsaw puzzle. Why does God allow suffering? I had dared not ask this through my prayers and conversations with God but it was always there in my mind. I just didn’t want to admit it. I didn’t want to say it should then my faith be questioned. But He knew it was there. And this is what I learned:
Evil is in the world, sickness is in the world, suffering is in the world. And yes, God allows it. But God will help us use our suffering to strengthen us and to glorify Him. (Acts 12: 2-11). You see many Christians think that believing in God protects them from trouble and suffering. So when there is heartache, tragedy, sickness, or defeat our human tendency is to question God’s love and kindness. And unfortunately, many turn their backs on God. The doubts and the fear we have come from Satan. But God’s promises are greater. He overcame the world when Jesus died on the cross.
In Job 2:10 he says to his wife, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” The message from Job is to not give up on God when you face hardships. As I kept reading it was so clear! Faith in God does not guarantee personal prosperity and lack of faith does not guarantee troubles in this life. (NIV study portion). In my early Christian life I had been taught the opposite, but if we always had all the answers, our faith would not have a chance to grow!
“Knowing God is better than knowing answers.”
On October 31st we were back at Levine’s. Things weren’t improving. At 9:00 am I had an army of friends and family praying for my child. They were also praying that the Holy Spirit would be there guiding the doctor. The appointment went very well. And for me, I was amazingly calm. The prayers filled my heart and I gave thanks for all of those that with me believe God can do mighty things. As we were leaving I hugged my daughter and told her about all the people that started praying as soon as we arrived at Levine’s. Her smile warmed my heart. She was amazed that so many people would pray for her! “Yes, the Spirit of God was in that room with us.” I poured in to my child that day. Regardless of our suffering we don’t need to fear, we just need to believe that through ALL things God truly loves us. And this love cannot be measured or limited by how great or little we may suffer. Our God is so good! Looking back I wouldn’t change one single part of that day.
“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither our fears for today nor are worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in ALL creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 9:38
I am so comforted by this scripture. The evenings I sat in my car in the garage and cried because I did not want my family to see my weakness, God was there. In the mornings when I prayed, God was there. Every doctor’s appointment, every test, every minute, God was there. No fear, no worry, no darkness can separate me from His love. #therewasjesus
In Romans chapter 5 Paul teaches that in the future we will BECOME, but until then we must OVERCOME the trials we face. These experiences help us grow and they will deepen our trust in God.
“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. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5
We are still in this journey. And we continue to trust in our Father. We know his hands are guiding each step we take. In recent weeks we have been constantly reminded that our circumstances could be so much worse. We raise our hands in praise! And for me, well I’m just amazed that God led me back through John, Acts, and Romans. He is good all the time. I always remember the words of my friend Terri Broome: “read the Bible to know Him, not for answers.” Through all of this my relationship with Him has grown and He has revealed so much truth to me over the last two months. I am so blessed that my faith journey has given me a new mindset and that my trust in God is what keeps me going. My heart is at peace.
“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
Oh Holy Night….. there is hope and life is worth rejoicing! Fall on your knees and give thanks through ALL things. Then hear the angel voices. Christ is our Lord! Chains shall break and in His name all oppression shall cease. God’s love and peace is available to you today! My prayer is that His light will shine upon you this Christmas, regardless if you are on top of the mountain or down in the valley!
Love to all! Merry Christmas!
Heather
As I’ve been writing this blog over the last few weeks, my brother-in-law lost his Dad. This blog is dedicated to their family. May God’s abundant love and peace rest over you in the days to come. You are loved beyond measure.
