Thursday, February 9, 2012

What’s the Purpose in This?


Life gets pretty hard and troubling at times but we have hope in our Lord.  You have probably heard the verse out of Romans before, Romans 8:28 to be exact.  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose”.  However, if we aren’t careful, we may be culpable of quoting and remembering only one part of this verse, leaving out some major parts we should be careful not to neglect.  It is easy to declare “all things work together for good,” but we MUST realize that this promise is conditional.  “God gives this promise to those who love Him and to those who are allowing Him to accomplish His purpose in their lives” – T. Palmer
             
The fact of life is, that terrible things in fact, DO happen to superior people, but people are able to see terrible things as good only when they allow God to work out His purpose in their lives.  There is a purpose for and in everything that He allows to enter our lives.   God never makes mistakes!!
            
Recently, my husband and I experienced our second miscarriage.  Through this difficult time I realized, I have been praying the wrong prayer.  I have prayed “Lord, just get me out of this situation” when instead, I should have been praying “Lord, what can I get out of this situation?”  When I pray this way, my focus diverts from the problem to God and what His purpose is for my life.  We usually observe difficult situations from a human viewpoint which makes it hard to see the good.  Nevertheless, “we can see good when, from a divine perspective, we begin to see the good God will bring about” – T. Palmer
             
Within Romans 8:28, we have a message of hope and encouragement to those who experience terrible things in life.  I am reminded, as I give way to God’s purposes, He will make the good He is seeking to produce in my life apparent. 

I choose to trust a God who never makes mistakes.  Will you?

Saturday, January 7, 2012

My First Blog

I can't believe I'm saying this but my MOM has gotten me blogging.  You always hear of how your parents or grandparents are "behind times" but in my case, my mother has always been one step ahead of me.  She is a God-fearing, persevering woman who has dealt with many battles in her life but kept going.  She has taught us about God's love, mercy, and grace and for this I am grateful.  I guess you don't really think about all your parents have done for you until you become one yourself.  While raising my son, I have come to realize just how patient my mother had to be with me (along with my three sisters). 

My son is almost two and he has started the endeavors of potty training.  Though this is a tedious task I think of my mom and how hard it was for her to try and potty train three girls (all under the age of 4) by herself after her divorce.  Some say we started the potty training a little early for his age but it was my husband and I's goal to have him out of diapers when the new arrival came in end of April first of May.  Well, God had other plans for our family.     

My husband and I found out the end of October that we had lost our little girl, Lauren Abigail Lintecum.  For whatever reason, God chose to keep her for Himself.  It was in this this time of deep grief, despair, and broken-heartedness that I truly experienced that grace my mother had always talked about.  Yes, I did have a period of anger (I think that is expected within the, however many stages, of grief) but I also experienced the greatest measure of love from my heavenly Father. 

I have peace in knowing that I will meet and see my sweet Lauren one day.  You see, for me, that's the greatest gift of all.  Knowing that she is being taken care of by the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and God of all.  My God and Savior is keeping her safe from the hurt and pain we face in this world daily so that I may see her again one day in heaven.  Yes, I miss her continuously and will never stop but I have that promise and knowledge in my heart that we will someday meet.

You see, as my mother always taught me, God never wastes a hurt.  He can use whatever circumstance you are in to bring you closer to Him.  I think that's why I'm such an avid follower and yearn for His guidance and love in my life.  He will meet YOU right where you are.  No need to change for Him but, instead, let him walk along side you, guide you, teach you about His love, wisdom and grace.

Psalm 10:14
But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;
   you consider their grief and take it in hand.
The victims commit themselves to you;
   you are the helper of the fatherless.