GOING THROUGH A HARD TIME?
"When their husbands died, Naomi, Ruth and Orpah experienced a unique bonding process. Unless you've been through it, it's hard to understand. It's a fellowship not born of age, race, background or status, and it brings together the oddest people. When you're hurting, don't look for understanding and support from those who haven't walked in your shoes. People can't give you what they don't have. Often the best they have to offer is the kind of advice that's glib, and quickly becomes annoying. Furthermore, until you start to make sense of your pain and see the greater good in it, you can feel like a victim. But once you see God's grace at work, and His hand in it all, you can begin to move ahead: to marry, to have another baby, to get another job, to dream another dream, to live again.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Just as old soldiers compare stories and scars, when we arrive at our heavenly home we'll tell of the faithfulness of God Who brought us through. I wouldn't like to be pointed out as the only one who never experienced sorrow, or feel like a stranger in the midst of that sacred fellowship. Therefore be content to share in the battle, for soon we will wear the crown."
When life suddenly changes and you're fighting just to get through another day, remind yourself that Satan hasn't snatched the steering wheel from God. No, God is aware of what you're going through and he still has a plan for your life. Be encouraged. You gain through your pain. Victory is born out of struggle. Hold on to His hand; He will bring you through this!"
From: The Word For You Today
21 comments:
Oh, Susan...that was a good encouraging word!
You don't how much I needed to read that today!
Thanks Susan, what wonderful words of encouragement. I too, needed to hear those words as well.
Great post, sister!
This is also a good devotional.
I would like to have a copy of what you mentioned "When a Christian wants to give up" can you send it to me, I don't think I can get into your other blog, isn't it private?
Katherine
So very true!!
I stopped by through links from other blogs. I really enjoy your writing. :) Having lost a 10 y/o son a little over a year ago I have had to process and mull over the hardest loss of my life. All the while my dear Lord and Savior was with carrying me through it. I have held on verse very close to my heart this last year: "all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." Though I do not understand the good now, I know that I will when all things are revealed in eternity. And I will be reunited with my beloved son at that time.
Beautiful, Susan, and so true. I only know now how to help someone who has lost a partner. Back then, I didn't, and God's hand is over it all.
Yes, it's so true that when we press into the Lord we find His plan and purpose along with His strength to press on.
Life is not always easy, but knowing that He knew the plan all along helps to rest in his grip.
Good stuff! I also love the one over at Hearts in 1 Accord! Thanks for the encouraging reminders.
Yes, what you said is true.
Interestingly my husband's grandfather was named for Spurgeon. They had named him Ralph White Seibert, and White was a partner who stole money from the parents, so they changed White to Spurgeon. My husband is Ralph Spurgeon Seibert III.
Love this! It's so true that people can't possibly give the best advice to someone in a particular situation unless they've experienced that same situation themselves. They can try but only someone who's been through it before can really understand what that person needs. Wise words.
Enjoy your day!
This is a beautiful piece of wisdom Susan. Thanks so much for sharing. I think I'll send it to some of my family & friends.
God bless
Amen and amen! I LOVE the story of Ruth and Naomi. It is one of my very favorite places!
Always good to remember that God's plan for us never changes.. it is always to make us like Jesus.
As a professional therapist, I disagree with the notion that you have to have gone through what someone else went through to empathize with their pain. If that were true, I certainly would not be able to do my job.
On another subject, since I previously read fear-mongering concerning Barack Obama on this blog, I thought I'd pass along this link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/06/opinion/06ayers.html?_r=1
Susan thank you for this encouraging post I needed to read this. I have missed reading your blog and need to get back to it as you are always a blessing to me!!
Side note...I deleted my blog as my 15 year old daughter asked me to she said there were tons of pictures of her out in cyber world OOPS out of curtosy I deleted it I am still working towards the 5K at a snails pace but will run it in July!!!!
I hope you are okay, Susan.
Praying for you.
Katherine
Please pray for this family. Many "WOF" people have said cruel things to this family. They tell them that it is God's will for this woman to be cured of cancer.
http://bloodtippedears.blogspot.com/2008/07/prayer-and-help-for-my-mom-carol.html
Amen!
Yes, as we go through 'The Dark Night of the Soul' we learn more than we ever could spiritually than when everything is going well.
Sometimes God calms the storm and sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms His child.
What a wonderfully encouraging post, thank you! I like the picture I saw in my head when I read that Satan hasn't stolen the steering wheel!
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