"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief."The statement belongs to a father who has brought his demon-possessed child to be healed. But honestly, these are words we have all cried-out to God before, if not aloud, then certainly within ourselves. For Andrea and I, this spring has been very trying and frustrating to us on a number of levels. Although nothing has gone horribly wrong, it certainly hasn't been alright either.
Our collective belief in a God who loves is still unfailing and uncompromising, but it is easy for us to ask the question, "Why?" We know that its foolish and wrong to believe that bad things can't happen to "good people," when you consider that there is no one good - we all sin and fall short of perfection and the glory of God - but to consistently experience frustrating news, back-sliding progress, and unlucky happenings, it's hard to see why God has laid this before us. As Christians, this is a time where we are called to rest on the promises God has given us, and it's been my hope that this is something all three of us can do as a family.
If you have some time, please pray for Evelyn, Andrea and me as we struggle to see the purpose in our lives right now. And if God withholds that for us, pray that we may find peace during a tumultuous time.
Wow Joe, thanks for sharing, and I will be keeping you in my prayers! You are an incredible man, married to an amazing woman, with, undoubtedly an incredible daughter! There is no one else like you and your great family. Each of you have something special to do for God before He calls you all home. Rest in the knowledge that He is all you need even when He does not feel close and that all you need He has given you already and that which you currently do not posses He is teaching you now.
ReplyDeleteI do not know what He holds in store for you, but I know beyond a shadow of doubt that you and yours will make an impact in great and powerful ways. In fact, you likely are making an impact and simple have not been given the opportunity to see the fruits of your labors yet. You may never see, this side of heaven, the effect of your labors, but in heaven your perseverance will be greatly and eternally rewarded.
God bless Joe, and stay strong!
Your friend,
Kaleb
Dear Joe,
ReplyDeleteI happened upon your blog on facebook just now, and after taking a read it sounds like you are in some stormy waters as of late. When the rain is pounding around you and the waves are crashing over and flooding into your boat, it is difficult to see (visibility is significantly reduced in heavy rainfall) and it is easy to get discouraged (Who likes having their shoes and socks completely soaked? Aren't boats supposed to float on the surface and keep you dry?).
Grrrr.
In storms we get to see how strong the vessel is, don't we? We can see where there are leaks, and when the weather clears we can get to work fixing and re-enforcing. So, it is not really the storm that makes you stronger; it is the revelation of thought, followed by changed heart and action, that is positively transformative.
Lucky for you, you have cultivated a spiritual foundation that you can stand upon during tumultuous times like this- this is not the case for everyone. How blessed you are to know that God is here in the present moment, every moment, pleasant or discouraging. There is a steadfastness here that is a real gift.
This makes me think of James 1:2-3
"Count it all joys, my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
Your faith may not lessen the severity of the storm, but it sure puts you in a steady place to experience it, reflect upon it, and make the necessary repairs.
I will pray for clarity for you, Andrea, and that adorable daughter of yours.
With love and gratitude and always your sister in Christ,
Lindsey