Looking out the hospital window I wondered if anyone in the world had ever felt so lonely. The doctor had just told me my son may not make it through the night. Burying a child isn’t a topic in books pregnant mom’s read; it was the first time I had to face the fact there was nothing I could do to save him, heal him, or change the dark path we had been thrown on.
There isn’t a navigational system when the wheels of life fall off and your spinning out of control. Hospitals do have the parent snack room which is a temporary fix when stuffing your sorrows; however, it doesn’t put a dent in healing your heart.
That was our reality twenty years ago. Wondering, waiting, and being willing to believe that the story of our lives is better than one I could have planned.
You Aren’t Alone
Contrary to what we see on social feeds, no one has a ‘perfect’ life. I PROMISE! We may believe or try to portray we got things together; but as I’ve watched the world come unglued with COVID-19, we clearly need a message of what to do when faced with the unexpected.
You’re not alone these days as the world is gutting it out through this gritty disease. I won’t remind you of what is splattered all over the news because that does nothing for your soul. I will suggest looking up a couple verses in the book of John because it tells you exactly where our peace can be found if we choose to believe it.
Jesus is having a heart to heart with his closest friends shortly before He is captured and crucified. He tells the guys-who, by the way had given up their jobs and plans and spent three years dedicated to Him-that His time on earth is almost done. He’s leaving…their best friend won’t be around for much longer. Adding to that, He tells them they will continue to face challenges and problems; life will be chaotic for them.
That would not have sat well with me. It would have been terrifying and terribly disappointing. However, He ends the chapter providing the greatest words of hope…for them and for you. He says:
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33)
Today, you may be suffering more then you ever expected; hurting and angry that your plans have not resulted in what you wanted. Having courage is the last thing you’re considering as you count the hours or days of hardship. I have a word of hope when your spirit needs some courage to press on.
- Connect: There is comfort when we are connected to safe people who will help us move forward when we can’t. It can be humbling to reach out but you must! If there is no one in your corner, ask the Lord to provide someone who will come alongside you. We need each other.
- Clarify: Take time to clarify what you value and believe. You will hit the walls of doubt, anger, confusion, sorrow…tears are cleansing and provide the opportunity for us to examine and clarify what we believe, what we value, and how we want to be remembered.
- Concentrate on the truth. Focus on doing the next right thing, not what may happen tomorrow or next week or…. We cannot know or control tomorrow; stay in the moment and ask Him to carry you through.
I never would have written these three points if it weren’t for some extremely hard seasons when life was hard and hurt ran deep. Pain is a process of distilling the soul. The Lord continues to work on mine and thankfully, I have peace because He’s promised to provide peace.
Let Me Hear from You
Reframing Ministries exists because of my struggles, not in spite of my struggles. There are resources to empower you as you endure. As you process these words, what thoughts are surfacing? What do you need to let go of, identify, or evaluate? How can we provide comfort for you in this season?
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