"God Never Wastes Our Pain"

This morning I received a very encouraging email.  Then I remembered that a friend told me to be sure and read my daily email from Proverbs 31 Ministries.  I copied it in below.  If you follow this blog, or know me very well, you know that I very easily could have written this.  And God used it to let me know that there are others going through the same trials and triumphs - something that is vital to my journey.  Please share how God has encouraged you through a comment to this post.

Father, thank you for showing yourself to me daily.  Your love is limitless, so much so, I can't fathom it.  You are awesome!  Amen.

God Never Wastes Our PainBy Glynnis Whitwer

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

She'd betrayed me again. Hurt and anger simmered as I walked away counting to 10, then 20. Lord, this assignment is difficult! I feel like such a failure.

Feelings of shame filled me as I thought about my reaction toward my child who'd taunted me. Shouldn't I be above this? I asked myself. Shouldn't I be able to deal with rejection and deceit without getting angry? Why can't I rejoice in my trials like those first followers of Jesus?

That day, as always, God let me vent. As I presented my hurt and angry emotions to Him, He poured peace over my heart. My circumstances hadn't changed, but once again my heart was restored, and I felt encouraged.

God and I have been through this before. Despite my battered heart, this assignment to care for my wounded girl is mine.

You see, seven years ago, God added to our family through an international adoption. We didn't know the trauma our beautiful girls had experienced, but God did. And although some people's adoption story seems almost effortless, ours has come with a high cost. And for most of those seven years we have walked a painful journey with our daughters while sharing in their suffering.

In those seven years I've learned more about living with pain and helplessness than in all my previous years combined. I've also had to make some hard decisions about what I believe about God.

Mostly I've had to dig deep into whether or not I believe God can truly bring good out of all pain, or if my daughters' suffering and ours is just a waste.

In that process, I've come to believe that God will never waste our pain, but I can.

• When I'm not honest about the reality of how hard life is, I waste God's offer of peace.

• When I try to do things in my own strength, I waste God's offer of power.

• When I keep the pain to myself, and pretend everything is perfect, I waste opportunities to minister to others walking a similar path.

But when I confess my feelings of inadequacies, when I admit I'm helpless to heal the wounded ones in my care, I get to a place of reliance - and that's just where God wants me. For in this place of helplessness, God takes center stage. And when I let God lead, miracles start to happen.

Although I'd remove the pain and trauma with a snap of my fingers if I could, I know God is working even in this.

Especially in this.

I can talk about God's power all day long, but experiencing it changes me. It changes those around me.
Like Paul said in our key verse today, I find my way to being glad for this weakness in me. I'm not glad for sin or what caused the brokenness my daughters and I are facing. But I see pain for what it is - a condition of this fallen world, and a place for God to do His best work. The evil one's plans don't succeed, because the battle isn't mine anymore. God's power takes over when I step back.

This perspective shift helps me face another day. My circumstances haven't changed, but hope has seeped in through the cracks. No pain is wasted when I submit myself to God's plans. And we are seeing God's healing power in the lives of two precious girls.

Dear Lord, we've been here before, with me asking for relief. Help me to accept my weakness in this situation, and to allow Your power to take over. I admit I don't understand how this works, but I'm choosing to trust Your Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Sometimes we need to be quiet

In my devotion this morning, it talked about when Jesus was quiet before Caiaphas in Matthew 26:57-64.  It went on to explain that sometimes we just need to be quiet, especially when the person challenging our faith is not sincere in finding the truth.

Yesterday I was physically present at a meeting for which normally I call in.  I was shocked at some of the language that was effortlessly thrown out there like it was okay.  I had to decide how to react.  Luckily the Holy Spirit told me to be quiet, bringing it up would do no good.  I simply looked down at my notes and did not respond to their general statement with agreement nor disagreement.  Did my message come across?  I have no idea.  But I did not come across legalistic in demanding such talk is not appropriate.  If it happens again, I'm not sure I can keep my mouth shut, but pray the Spirit will guide me in my response.

Then God brought to my attention when I wasn't quiet.  I shared something that seemed sharable to me but apparently wasn't to my husband.  Ouch!  This was not anything personal to him, but a household situation we are fixing.  I didn't listen to that still small voice that asked if hubby would mind if I shared.  God has to keep giving me that lesson, and I wish I would hurry up and learn it. :)  Thank goodness He doesn't give up.

This morning I woke up and found out a loved one passed...via Facebook.  This hurt and I was angry with my relative that posted it before someone could call me.  But I have no right, I did not better in keeping my mouth shut. 

So there are 3 situations within 24 hours and 1 devotional that God used to speak to me about keeping silent.  It amazes me how He will find different ways to drive a point home.

Thank you, Lord, for openly teaching us when we are not on Your path.  Please silence me when it is needed and open my mouth when it is needed.  Thank you for the unexpected ways You speak.  Amen.

E + R = O

I'm taking a class at work based on the book "Success Principles" by Jack Canfield.  You probably know him and don't realize it.  He's co-creator the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books. 

In this book, he explains this formula, E + R = O.  Event + Response = Outcome.  And which part of this do we have control over?  Hmmmm....the response and then the outcome will change.  I have been focusing on my responses lately so I'm eating this up. :)  He explains how the same response gets the same outcome, etc.  He goes on to mention what we have control over - our thoughts, our visualizations, and our actions. 

Hmmm....the book isn't biblical, but I seem to remember God telling us the same thing.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Proverbs 15:1

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  James 1:19

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8 NIV

God directly speaks to this.  It's the garbage-in garbage-out idea.  In order to control our thoughts, we need to set our minds on the right things.  Then our actions will more easily follow suit.  Yes, this is easier said than done, especially when you are very frustrated, but God gives us the tools, they are there for the taking.

Thank you, Father, for your guidance.  Please show each of us the specific tools You have for us in order to change our responses and outcomes.  Thank you for all You do for us, Amen. 

Praise God!

Good morning!  Do you ever want to share a wonderful feeling from the Lord?  I want to share like crazy. 

This week, He has shown me kids in our church who are hurting, He has shown me He wants to guide me, and He has shown me hope.  He's given me joy and peace and I praise Him for that.  Proverbs chapter 1 discusses gaining wisdom and knowledge and fearing the Lord.  When we do this, we are at ease.  Amen!  The more we are in His Word, the greater our peace and our joy.  He has so much to show us as He grows us. 

Thank you, Father, for investing in each one of us, no matter how we get off track or neglect your Word.  You continue to reach out to us and show yourself.  Thank you for being there no matter what.  Amen.

Praise God this morning for what He is doing in you!

Who are we praying for?

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people..." 
1 Timothy 2:1 ESV

I guess the first question should be, are we "praying at all times"?  Our prayer life should not be just for Sunday mornings or even daily, it should be constantly, involving every area of our life no matter how small.  God really does want to be in the details of our life.

That being said, who do we pray for?  Most of us pray for our family, ourselves, friends, church family.  What about those groups of people who are not going through intermittent struggles but they struggle every single day of their lives?

There are so many here in our area, especially kids, that are living with abuse and other struggles.  And there are areas like this all over the world.  Our trip to Alaska opened my eyes to the people in villages that are struggling daily.  So when God tells us "⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8, is He not also telling us to pray for the people in those places?

I challenge myself and you to reach out and have a burden in your heart for a people group, learn what you can, and pray for them daily. 

Thank you, Lord, for the burdens you put in our hearts for your people.  Please show each person taking this challenge those you want them to pray for and love.  I praise you for the abundant life you give us.  Amen.

Strong enough?

"Strong Enough"    -Matthew West

You must
You must think I'm strong
To give me what I'm going through

Well, forgive me
Forgive me if I'm wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own

I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us

Well, maybe
Maybe that's the point
To reach the point of giving up

Cause when I'm finally
Finally at rock bottom
Well, that's when I start looking up
And reaching out

I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

Cause I'm broken
Down to nothing
But I'm still holding on to the one thing
You are God
and you are strong
When I am weak

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

Oh, yeah

I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
Strong enough

This goes along with the verse I posted yesterday, 2 Corinthians 12:9, My strength is made perfect in his weakness.

When I first heard this song, I passed it on to an acquaintance online going through what I consider insurmountable situations.  Her husband lost his job and their adopted teenage daughter was hurting her younger children, attacking her, and accusing her of child abuse, for which she was arrested.  Yet she kept trying to help this girl no matter what she did to the family.  This song really spoke to her. 

At the time I was in a happy place and was thankful it wasn't applying to me.  Then wham!  God said I was too comfortable.  Just when I thought everything was smooth some major issues came up with my daughter.  I didn't understand.  Then I'd hear this song and wonder if this was the road I was going down.  Was God telling me to step back and let Him take full control?  And what is full control?  I stepped back some but not enough. 

During this time, hope was an issue for me.  One other time in my life did I lose hope and I went down a dark path.  I had no intention of doing that again, so I searched for what God was revealing to me.

The mission trip team did team devotionals on fruit of the spirit.  They really convicted me.  I did fine with everyone else but my daughter.  I could not control my emotions where she was concerned and it was hurting our relationship.  At the end of our trip, due to lack of sleep, etc, a friend and I had a melt down in our relationship.  Finally, I was "down to nothing" as the song says and I got it, truly got it.  I am not strong enough.  And I let go.  No matter what I do, God is in control and I don't have to be strong.

He provided me hope in the last week, real hope from His word and those around me.  I relaxed and asked Him to take over.  My fear was that my daughter's therapist wasn't seeing everything I was and how she was retreating rather than progressing.  I decided that God will show her and the right people what is going on so they can help her and the decisions concerning her will not be solely on my shoulders.  And God spoke loudly to say "I'm here, my daughter, and now I can work that you've stepped back."  During therapy yesterday, the therapist got it and realized what I had been seeing.  

I have been much calmer with my daughter in the last 2 weeks.  This came from shifting my focus from her and her situation to God.  I can't control what she does, and reacting the same way was getting me nowhere.  God showed me I needed to change me to be spiritually healthy and let Him take over.  What peace came over me.  I feel I'm on a new journey and running towards my Father and that is sheer joy.

Thank you, Father, for your patience with your children.  Thank you for being strong enough and always having control.  Thank you for speaking to us when we seek you, and speaking in such wonderful ways.  Thank you for holding me so close.  Amen.

Are you glowing?

What an amazing trip we had in Alaska!  God did not disappoint us.  He dazzled us with scenery and drew us near to him through testimonies from the students.

We were privileged to have a female student with us for the week.  She comes from a village on the west coast of Alaska. 

The other villages call it Suicide Village because the suicides are so rampant.  She shared her story with us of cousins and a sister who committed suicide.  It wasn't until she was 16 and peeking in at a Vacation Bible School that she decided she wanted to be happy.  She saw a glow on the faces of the people there and she wanted it.  She was tired of the alcoholism and depression around her.  I thank God for the VBS and the workers that reached out even though she sat there with her hood up, determined not to be involved. 

She is now 25 and seeking God in EVERY part of her life.  And I mean EVERY part.  She is sold out to him but realizes she's still human.  She struggles daily with His guidance and wanting to truly hear Him.  Her maturity in the Lord is heart stopping.

My daughter got to hear her testimony and although it won't make an impact in the short term, I know she will remember every word and when she's ready to be happy, she will reflect on my friend's journey. 

Hmmmm....are you glowing?  Are you letting God shine through you?  Seems it's a daily question to ask ourselves.  If we are His child, we are to be His light.  Let Him shine through today.

Father God, I praise you for shining through circumstances that are so completely out of our control.  Thank you for being in control and the peace that gives us.  Please make it clear to my friend the next step of her journey.  Please make my next steps clear as well.  Thank you so much, amen.

My strength is made perfect in weakness.   2 Corinthians 12:9