Not many of us have experienced the pain of losing a child, much less the unthinkable tragedy that Steven Curtis Chapman’s family experienced two years ago.
In her book, Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope
You have been entrusted with an incredible pain! I’m so sorry. I wish as your mom I could take it away, but I know that God has a plan for you to steward this story well and to minister to other in your suffering.
Nothing I’ve suffered in life has ever compared to that kind of loss. Nevertheless, whatever trial, whatever suffering you are in the midst of is the pain you must contend with. Do we think of it that way when we go through times of trials and suffering?
Do we feel we are ”entrusted” with something valuable and precious? Our sovereign God has not accidentally heaped pain upon your life. Your trials are specifically designed for you in love, and He delights in carrying you through them:
We cannot fathom the intricacies of the divine plan. But make no mistake, when we are in the driest desert, we can receive the manna to make it all the way to the other side where trees bud again and children laugh. God sometimes delivers us from evils we will never see. Other times He parts raging oceans before our very eyes. Still other times He says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you…Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.” (Isa. 43:2, 5)
-from the prologue by Beth Moore
I, personally, need the reminder today: That not only does He sometimes lead us to the desert, He makes provision for us to come through it.
I admit I don’t always count it all joy, or steward my story with thanksgiving, but I am growing in it day by day. I’m giving praise today for being entrusted with whatever He chooses to bring my way, and however He chooses to carry me through.
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Good words…this perspective on suffering is so rare in our culture, I think. Praying for you today (and always!)
Entrusted… I love how you’ve associated that word with trials and pain; the fruit born out of such circumstances is a lasting gift.
Wonderful encouragement today, Ruth.
Very good… We serve an Amazing God! A reminder to count it ALL joy, this is very hard to do sometimes. Thank you
Read her book last Fall and cried through almost all of it. Was so encouraged by their willingness to be vessels used by God through their pain and to see how God was there to carry them. Might have to go back and read it again.
Ruth, I always catch up with my blog reading at night. This post is exactly where I have been this week. It’s funny that my perspective is different tonight reading it, than this morning (or yesterday). God does all things well.
I have been reciting this verse to myself (and others involved) over and over this week:
And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28).
I have to remember that His will is good no matter what, even if I don’t see it as good.
Thank you, Ruth, for your encouraging words.
Such a great book- many wisdom nuggets received from them! Great reminders you shared today Ruth!