We all experience loss. It seems as though some experience it more frequently and to a greater degree than others, but we all experience it. Whether it's the loss of a relationship through divorce or the end of a friendship, the loss of innocence, or the loss of a loved one through death - we all experience it. And, unless Jesus returns before, we will all die ourselves.
We also all experience new life. Whether it's the birth of a new baby, a marriage or even spring - we all experience the blessings of new life.
It's so easy to have the head knowledge, so easy to spout glib or even trite expressions, especially before we experience a deep loss, but it's so much harder when that head knowledge is forced to become heart knowledge.
It's also so easy to blame God for the hard times, yet give Him little to no credit for the good. But God has not promised us an easy journey. How I wish that was true - simply become a Christian and POOF! God waves His magic wand and you go through the rest of your life dancing and singing through the meadows until finally at the age of 100, still physically and mentally healthy, you and your husband both die peacefully in your sleep the same night.
No, it doesn't work that way.
Consider the following lyrics
God hath not promised skies always blue
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptations, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.
God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.
`Annie Johnson Flint
Sin and destruction and all the bad things that happen to us on this earth are a direct result of the fall of man. And when Christ returns we who believe in Him will eternally experience the perfect life that He wanted for us all along.
Remind anyone else of Easter weekend?
We're stuck in Saturday right now. Sometimes it's a great day, and sometimes it's really, really not. But God has promised to be with us, every step of the journey. He has promised us His love, peace, compassion and joy.
And don't forget - even though some days it may not feel like it, Sunday IS coming. And so we have hope.
“My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord. I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:18-23
Come quickly Lord Jesus!
3 comments:
Amen.
That was a very well written post, Tammy!
I took a peek at the two blogs you linked to and it did make me consider all of the things you wrote in this post...but not quite so eloquently, lol!
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