I’ve had two people who are very precious to me say, (And I’m paraphrasing): “I’m not happy with the way God has fixed my life, He’s made me with things to overcome that most people don’t have. I don’t believe He’s even listening anymore”.
Both said it with an underlying tone of anger. And for both, I wanted to fix their lives, but even more than that, I wanted to protect their perception of God. To help them believe again.
But as I searched for words, I came up short, because really, both of them had good points. Both had a nugget of truth. A small nugget mind you, all wrapped up in lies and what-ifs and gloominess. But a truth nonetheless.
This got me thinking about my own life and the seasons when I was hurting and just couldn’t believe. But the older I get, the more I see God’s faithfulness through those dark seasons. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean I’m okay when tragedy hits. There are circumstances that could easily send me into an angry or depressed spiral of unbelief. Nevertheless, if ever I ever take a moment to look back, I see that over and over He’s been faithful and that helps me to believe…
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Does it help you to look back on painful and difficult times? Do you see in retrospect, His Hand gently guiding you?
Praying for you today my friends, that whatever season you’re in now, you’ll see that you are loved and He is faithful.
This is a blessing to me today.
Nita J…love you my sweet friend xoxo
Whenever I start feeling life is hard or unfair I stop and focus on all the situations I found myself in where God made things better. He never did it when I thought he should (instantly) but he did it. “If God be for you who can be against you” a phrase I always run through my mind when I’m hurt, angry or worried. Just a thought. Oh, and I just wanted to say, my prayer bracelet has been a constant reminder to me to give it to God no matter what it is.
as undeserving as i may be, i see God’s blessings and His hand in all areas of my life. as an adult, i don’t blame Him for the tough situations. in her wisdom, my mom used to say that *every* bad situation has a silver lining. she was right. i can look back in every bad thing that has happened in my life and find at least 1 good thing that came from it. another phrase that keeps me going is ‘i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
so, does it help me to look back? yes. it helps me to see that i was never alone-even when i thought i probably was…
Denise, I love that you took what your mom said and still hang onto it. How powerful her words were/are. I agree with you…looking back helps us to see Him in our situation xoxo
So true. It’s sometimes hard to see the hand of God during the darkness. That’s when I have to know He is there and not necessarily feel His presence. “Lord I know you are here with me, help me thru this”. Afterwards, I can always look back and see how God has guided me thru the darkness, and also how my faith has been strengthened. God hasn’t promised no troubles, just that He will be with us thru them. And He is.
yes, it helps me realize and embrace the faithfulness of God when the Holy Spirit reminds me of things and reveals to me things He taught me when I couldn’t see His hand in my circumstances.
Jesus Led me All the Way is a song lyric that comes to mind when I contemplate my life.
Oh, boy, does it help me to look back. I was telling someone yesterday about a time I’d been mad at God–how I was so sure He had life working out a certain way, then everything fell apart.
Sometimes, only in retrospect, can we see and understand. And I guess some things won’t make any sense until we get to heaven.
Love you forever, Robin.
Julie, it’s so true sweetie. Some things will just not make sense on this side of eternity xoxoxo
Robin, What a timely writing for me. Just this week, I was talking to a friend who has experienced more than her share of hardships. It is so hard for us to understand the never ending problems of life. Trust and believe and then trust and believe again and again. Please pray for my friend and I to look beyond the problems and see the promises.. I enjoy your blog. Thank you for your including your heartfelt writings.
Mar, Oh I will pray for your friend…I’ll pray that you’ll get the opportunity to minister love and truth to her. I know everyone has been where in a place where we didn’t understand. I’m so sorry she’s going through this~ sending love my dear friend xo
A timely post that I needed today. Thanks.
Oh honey, I have had SO much CRAP in my life BUT….I truly believe that I would not be the person I am today if I hadn’t walked the road set out for me. I had BOTH parents who had addiction problems, my Dad died of an overdose when I was 4. My Mom was an alcoholic all her life, and both of my children have struggled with addictions but thakfully are both clean and sober now. So, YES!!!!!!!!!! I have struggled with my relationship with God, doubted, cried, was ANGRY, etc., etc. But, like you said, HE has guided me and LOVED me through it all. I pray for you EVERY morning with my prayer bracelet, and thank you again. XOXOXO, Pinky