I have looked back on several happenings in my life with aching, and with the questioning of His perfect plan.
I always thought that it wasnt fair, and wondered how could there possibly be ANY good in this. So many have gone through so much: parents divorce, loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, etc. 'WHY?' will always be their question. Is there validation in this suffering?
The question is: Do you really believe that He does ALL things well, and that His grace will be sufficient for you? If you dont believe this truth with your whole being, then the hurt cannot be healed. It becomes something terrible...something almost, in a way, evil. You begin to view it as Satan's work. It is not the devil's work (he does not have dominion over you), but it is God counting you worthy to suffer-before the eyes of the world-that He might be proven faithful. That He might get the glory. John Piper says, "He is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him."
My friends, the only end to the cross that you carry is death. The only release to the to the trial, is when you OFFER your hands to be pierced. You will carry that cross on and on until you decide to die to your will which says, "God, why did you do that. Its not fair. Why me? Why couldnt you have done it to someone who deserves it more than me. This is the worst thing you could have done. Why? etc." In order to see the blessing, and the true reason for His works, you must be willing to face the truth that you cant see the whole picture...but the One who created the universe, and the One who knit you together in your mother's womb can see it all.
These things have been going around in my mind for several weeks now, and I have come to realize 3 major reasons for these things happening:
1. A heart for others was developed in midst of that.
I would never have been able to point people to the Lord in some areas, had I not gone through it myself.
Is it worth it to me? Would I go back and redo it so it never would have happened? NO! Now that I see
those storms from the other side, I could not ask for a better testimony of His goodness. He does ALL
things well.
2. An understanding the preciousness of life.
I have learned through what I seen that life can be gone in a split second. I may not ever see any of you
again! I dont know. Treat that one that you have a hard time loving as if it were your last time to ever see
them again...it just might be. A fatal car accident usually comes with only a millisecond of notice. :/ Use the
time wisely that you have.
3. A complete trust in Him.
You would think that after a painful incident, you may become very skeptical of the one who allowed you
to go through it. However, when you understand that He allows it so you can know Him better, and thus be
more like Christ, then it is a sweet thing to you: It is no longer a bitter memory. "If not for the storm, I could
not say that you are my shelter. If not for the storm, I never would have known you like I know you now."
I have been so blessed with the friends that God has placed in my life that encourage me forward and have helped me understand these things. Thank yall so much!
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are my ways your ways," says the Lord.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future an a hope." Jer. 29:11
