Good TUESDAY Morning - 2/22/11

It's hard to believe that it's only been a year since our son-in-law's father, Fred, passed away. So many things have happened since then. My husband and I have lost three very special, very close uncles, a grandchild has been born to us, another is in heaven, we have had ups and downs, gains and losses, joys and sorrows. Through it all God has been there. During the times of sorrow His love has sustained us. During the times of joy His presence has moved us to even greater depths of love and appreciation for those He has put in our lives and bound us to in His infinite wisdom.

So often, especially in times of trial and testing, we question the Lord. We ask, "Why is this happening to me?" "Why is this happening in our family?" Over and over again we question the Lord, doubting His promises and even His very presence in our lives.

But, you know, it is through these hard times that we grow. It is in these 'hard times' that we go running into the arms of our Heavenly Father and they move us ever closer to Him. It is in these 'hard times' that we seek Him out and commune deeply with Him, because it is in these hard times that no one else can ever truly know and understand what we are going through deep down in our hearts and spirits. God can because He is our creator and we are created in His image. God, and God alone, knows us better than anybody on this face of this earth ever could or will.

If you are going through hard times right now...physically, financially, spiritually...if your marriage is in trouble, or if you have suffered loss and are having a hard time healing...keep this thought in mind...

God knows what you're going through...and He cares!


"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11). 

If you are questioning God and His infinite wisdom concerning the place you find yourself in today, consider these words of the Psalmist...

"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word" (Psalm 119:67).

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn they statutes" (Psalm 119:71).


"I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).

Instead of asking negative questions that lead to self-pity and the undermining of our faith in God, why not try a new thing? Why not ask positive questions of the Lord?

"Lord, what are you trying to show me in this situation?" "What are you saying to me, Lord?" "What are trying to tell me through these current circumstances?"

Then...take time to listen to His answer.

"Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, What hath the Lord answered? and, What hath the Lord spoken?" (Jeremiah 23:35)