Tuesday, October 3, 2017

“Mom, will you read this?” my oldest daughter asked.

“Sure, just let me know when you’re ready.”

She pushed her computer my direction. “I’m ready.”

I pulled the computer closer and began to read. When I finished, I started over and read her document a second time. She had no idea how much I needed to read these words. I swallowed hard and steeled my voice to control the quiver threatening to emerge. Finally, I spoke. “This is really good.”

“You think so?”

“Yes, I do.”

“I don’t really know what to do with this,” she stated.

“Well, you can let me post this on my blog as a guest writer.”

I wasn’t sure she would allow me to share her thoughts with you, but several days ago she emailed me a copy of her manuscript.

On behalf of my daughter, I pray that this post encourages you to remain steadfast regardless of what your day holds or what you find yourself going through – Jill P.

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So often I feel like we have a preconceived notion of what we think God’s goodness ought to look like. We see loss, sickness, and pain, and we wonder how a merciful God could allow such things. But what if we took a moment to step back, and let God reveal Himself for who He is? How differently would we see these things? It makes me think of Job, who lost all he held dear in life – his family, his friends, his worldly possessions – yet He clung to Christ. He didn’t lose faith in God’s goodness, and God proved faithful just as He always does. I think that in moments like these (the pain, the sickness, the losses, and even the fears associated with these life events) we have to go back to the truth of what God’s Word says about His character:

• “God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
• “The Lord is near to all who call on Him.” Psalm 145:18
• “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 145:8
• “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Isaiah 6:3
• “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8

When life takes a turn and you don’t know where to go or what to do, go to the Father. Rest in His presence. Don’t doubt His goodness, because I know this to be true: God is who He says He is. God is faithful. God is true. His goodness is everlasting and His mercies have no end.

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

* All verses are from the ESV Bible