Today I must admit that my heart is heavy. In the past 48 hours , we have lifted up prayers for several of our dear friends. One who has been experiencing severe migraines, another whose mother was life flighted for liver failure, and yet another who lost a dear friend to a battle with cancer- leaving a wife and small children behind. As I think about each of these situations, I am lost in questioning why. Why does God chose to answer some prayers, and others He does not? There is still hope for a couple situations, and yet for one the answer was a definite no. I don't understand, nor will I probably ever understand, why God let's heartache happen. The Bible multiple times says that if anything we ask in His name, He will give us! And yet why did He leave those children without a father? A wife without her dearest love?
My initial reaction is to be angry, and I think it's ok to be angry sometimes, it's human nature to question and not understand. But, in times like this, I have to turn to His word for comfort and guidance. I have to remind myself that my agenda is not God's, and that although I don't always like the outcome, His plan is bigger than my own. In James, we are told to consider it pure joy when trials come because these produce growth in our faith. But, it is not easy to have joy in the midst of heartache.
As I was reading this morning God gave me this verse:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Momentary troubles, they are but moments compared to eternity! I think God doesn't always answer prayer because He wants us to rely on Him. I don't think He doesn't answer as a form of punishment. If we got everything we wanted, then the His grace and peace wouldn't be so sweet! He wants us to focus on what we can't see, and have faith that He is working. I don't think when His answer is "no" that He didn't hear us, I think He wants us to listen and look for what He is doing and is going to do. I think He gives us the tools to help ourselves and each other overcome trials, even if they aren't always what we are looking for! In times like this, I am reminded that in ALL circumstances He deserves the glory. I am so thankful that I can go through trials with a God who loves me, hurts with me, and carries me when I can't go on! How much more devestating would it be to go through life without that hope of coming joy? I don't even want to begin to imagine that loneliness, and I"m glad I don't have to, because I serve a God who wants to show me the silver lining.
In closing: Would anyone be willing to share their thoughts on this? What has helped you through difficult times? What have you learned through your trials and unanswered prayers?
May our God of peace and strength be with you today! Love :)
2 comments:
Courtney, this hits so close to home.. Bart’s Very best friend in the whole world (Davy) has had cancer for going on 3 yrs... He is married to one of my dear friends, and has a 5& 6 yr old. We thought he was coming out of if and doing well, but right before Thanksgiving they found more cancer in his brain and spinal fluid. Then right before Christmas he came down with spinal meningitis, and staff. He went into a coma and has beaten the odds by coming out of that, but due to the meningitis, they can no longer treat the cancer. When I read your blog this AM, it struck a cord... WHY LORD!.. WHY! These are such good, God fearing people! After losing my dad in 2003, I realized NO ONE IS AMUNE TO DEATH! I am at peace with his passing, but this one, for the life of me, I CANNOT understand! It helped to read your blog this AM, and see that we are not alone... MY dear friend is my age, and is facing, becoming a widow..(That is a HORRIBLE word!)
I know God answers my prayers! I can personally attest to many miracles in my life! They were on a smaller scale, but still a miracle. I know it is out of our hands, but it is good to know, we are not walking through this alone!
I hope you have a blessed day! Krystal Nichols (sorry if I rambled!:)
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangly dim,
in the light of His glory and grace"
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