Have you ever had a need so great,... but.... you couldn't meet it? How did you feel?.... Angry?... Frustrated?.... Heartbroken?....
What did you find solace in- your ability? your confidence? your family? your money? your food? your children? your degree? your next drink? some pills?
This morning each of my boys had a need that he could not meet. Kendall needed a diaper change (Bad Momma, I know) and he laid on the floor with a diaper next to him, but couldn't change himself. Carson wanted to watch a movie after completing his morning responsibilities and couldn't get the DVD player to work. Caleb needed some of his medication, but we had run out and are preparing to go get it. These needs are an inconvenience, but what about more devastating needs.....job loss, life threatening disease, loss of a spouse, loss of a child, or a divorce...
What do you do in the midst of those needs- where do you turn? On January 5, 2009, Reagan called me to let me know that he had been laid off and I slowly felt all security fall out from under me. How would we pay the bills? How would we get Caleb's much needed (and very expensive) medication? How will we survive? That night, in the midst of deep, desperate tears I sang praise songs. I didn't know what would happen the next day, week, month, but I did know my Lord would be there through it all. I don't want you to think the journey was pretty- I cried countless desperate tears. I got angry at God (whoa- what?), and I was crushed when doors closed.... and then, quietly, I would get up... and in a broken whisper, I would start to praise Him in songs, prayers, and testimony. Each day, God made me stronger.
Reagan didn't get a job the next day, week, month.... it took four months- FOUR months. At the end of that journey, we had not touched our savings account and God had provided for all our needs (needs- not necessarily wants). We always had food to eat, and our bills were always met- God used other believers, odd jobs, and the like to do it, but we walked through the fire of that trial and came out changed-better-stronger.
Maybe you have a huge need right now and you are desperate for resolution. Remember no matter how great the need, we have a greater God. He will answer you and bring resolution, but it will be in His timing. Reagan didn't get the first job he interviewed for, or the second, or the third... but, God taught us and grew us in ways that we couldn't have appreciated had the end come sooner. I know the deep pain of longing and clinging to the hope within us with all your remaining strength. Take heart- God will not fail you. He will not make you wait one second longer than necessary. The joy you will find when at the concluding moments of this trial will be indescribable!
" You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus." Phillipians 4:19 MSG
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seeds to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." Psalms 126:5,6 NIV
"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." Psalm 73:26 NLT
My friend, cry if you need to cry...release the anger, hurt and disappointment and then rise and praise Him- if only a whisper- praise Him. Victory is coming and He has great plans for you, lean on the only strength that can save you!
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