"What if Your blessings come through raindrops?"
"What if Your healing comes through tears?"
"What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near?"
"What if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?"
How do we truly know God? Only through the realization of our weakness are we led to seek Him. Sometimes it takes the raindrops, the tears, the sleepless nights, the trials to lead us there. And what's the benefit of knowing God? Everything! Knowing--intimately knowing --our Creator, the one who knows us better than any other, and provides everything we will ever need--physically, emotionally, spiritually. He is the "air we breathe"-- "our daily bread" -- our sustenance. He is our salvation, our freedom, our Savior and our Redeemer.
So . . . the wealth of hard times during the last 10 years of my life have brought immeasurable blessings. Because of difficult circumstances I moved closer to my parents. There I met my husband. Both of us felt God had ordained our relationship. He used prayer, friends and His perfect timing to bring us together. God has given us 2 beautiful boys. They are my comic relief, my snugglers, smarty pants, smart alecks, and my pride and joy.
I saw the power of prayer and faith firsthand as my son was healed before he was even born. Even the doctors and nurses could not deny or explain this miracle. Because of where we live my husband has been able to receive the best possible care for his specific type of leukemia. And his health is great. Treatment has worked perfectly.
My relationship with my parents is closer than ever due to the difficulties we have faced together. Living close gave me the immense privilege and honor of physically caring for my Grandma in her last years. My sons knew and loved her, and have sweet memories they will carry with them. The greatest blessing in her death is perfect healing. She is not confused, crippled or fearful. She is whole.
In November 2011 I got a new Brother-in-Law, 2 nieces and 1 nephew. My sister remarried into the most wonderful family. Her in-laws are wonderfully supportive people. She is truly blessed with a full house and a full life, which I get to be a part of.
And lastly, my Dad is recovering beautifully. He just retired, and is playing a lot of golf with clear arteries! ;)
Am I just being optimistic? Uh, no. I'm naturally more of a "Debbie Downer". It is so clear to me the threads God has woven through my life. Threads of blessing, abundance, peace, comfort, providence, healing, gifts. And He is more sweet to me than ever. I know Him more deeply, as well as loving Him and accepting His love and gifts more freely.
Laura Story says this in her book "What if Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?": "There is a depth of intimacy with God that can only be known through suffering." I testify to this-- pain brings blessings in abundance. Even as I write this I am in the midst of intense pain, but knowing God the way I do I can't imagine what He has for me on the other side of these trials.
"The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him . . . . "
Exodus 15:2 NKJV
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my savior; my God is my rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold."
Psalm 18:2 NLT
"The Lord says, 'I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.'"
Psalm 91:14 NLT
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