Monday, February 20, 2012

Just Sharing




Romans 8:28

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God...."

 When I was nine, I was bored and becoming a pest to the adults around me, so my uncle gave me an old clock to tinker with. I held it to my ear, while listening to it's soft ticking sound, and then, being curious, I took it apart. I was too young to understand what made it tick  but did discover that it took many different parts to make the clock work.
 
Like the clock, a man requires more than one part if he is to function properly and be able to cope with the realities of life. He could not possess just one part and be complete; could not, for instance just have patience. If patience was all he had, what would he do if he found himself in a situation that required courage or faith? What if he were to need compassion, or understanding. wisdom, mercy, or strength? We need a lot of parts in order to not just cope with the harshness of life, but to be able to appreciate and value it as well.
 
The world our wonderful God created, is made up of opposites: night-day, sorrow-joy, spring-winter, etc. We could never appreciate the more colorful one, the one that makes us happy unless we've first tasted the
bitterness of the trials we've experienced. God does not always send the trials we're confronted with, but he most definitely allows them. How else could He make sure that we have the parts we'd need in order to overcome the difficulties in our lives, as well as be a blessing to those around us who are hurting? Yes, there is a harshness to life; much pain and enormous sorrow, but there is always their opposite.
    Whenever I see a rainbow, I see the darker colors as the trials I've been through, the brighter colors, as joy; the JOY  God gave me for trusting Him during the  darkest moments of my life: the death of my parents, a betrayal, a failed marriage, having a child in an abusive relationship  for years, the loss of a very dear friend, a job, two precious children in trouble.
My greatest JOY fills me up, and that JOY comes from HE who believed in me, loved me, forgave me, when nobody else could- or would.

All Things Work Together For Good To Them That Love God.

What a powerful blessing, what reassuring words to a troubled person, somebody not understanding what it takes for us to function properly, not understanding what we need, in order to cope with the hard side of life.

It says all things (WORK), which means everything has been checked out; nothing will break down and leave us stranded. It means all things are working now, at this very minute...and for our good, because we love God. It means we have no reason to doubt or be troubled about the trials in our lives. Each part is necessary in order for us to be successful; to grow, and become the kind of people God desires us to be.

AND WE KNOW ( we are positive)
THAT ALL THINGS (every single thing)
WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD.

Let's not worry and fret any more, but give our burdens to the Lord. We have but to say, "Father, this is just to heavy for me," and he takes care of it.

I hope every
one of you has a blessed day, and that no matter how steep the hill, you'll keep climbing. The view at at top is more than worth it.
I speak from experience, for as I write this one of my sisters is dying, my husband is on hospice, a son is in trouble, a daughter-in-law very ill. As painful as these things are they will one day be behind me. I don't sink, though my heart is heavy, because I truly believe what I have told you. Everything, in the end, works out; not always as we wish it would, but the way God knows is best. He doesn't give us what we want...but what we need.

Thank you again, for all the loving support, prayers and good wishes.
Love you much.

4 comments:

Sandy said...

I know you are living in God's love and grace, Barb, because it comes through in all you say. I am so sorry for all that causes you such pain these days. I pray for your husband and you often. I pray your sister knows the Lord as Savior and that the others you love will know Him to be all they need in this life. His word is true and all things will somehow, some day, work together for good.
Bless you, friend.

Elizabeth Dianne said...

As painful as it was, this was such a beautiful post, Barb, because it really lifts up our Lord. I admire the trust and faith that you are placing in Jesus and pray that He continues to give you strength for each day.

Be strong in the Lord and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT. Thank goodness we do not have to be strong in our own might. What a joy to know that you are leaning on Him.

Blessings to you!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

You do have more than your share of troubles right now for sure. It is true that all these things will pass and it's wonderful that we can hand our burdens over to the Lord. Times such as these make our faith a valued treasure for sure. Prayers for all those in need this day. May the good Lord keep you in the palm of his hand.

CaRLy said...

Always enjoy reading a post from you Barb. It's been a long time but my thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you and keep you. Hugs.
Carlette