It is one thing to think that Christ loves us with an unconditional love, but do we love him unconditionally in return? That is a tough question for even the most devout Christians. It digs at the heart of the flesh and reminds us that we are what we are because of who He is.
Do we really believe that he is Sovereign? Do we really trust Him wholeheartedly? Do we really love Him despite of our circumstances and trials. Those are questions that I have been asking myself lately. Those are the questions that, honestly, I had to stop and really think about… not because I didn’t know the “answer” but because I didn’t “know” the answer. Most Christians have head knowledge, they know the right answers to all of the questions, and do not stop to ponder those questions any deeper.
Why do we do that?
Our family has been through so much, yet He has been faithful to provide strength and joy despite the trials that are placed in front of us. I can not tell you how many times Mark and I look back and say “Now we know why we went through that, it was to prepare us for this.” But (and that is a really BIG but!) when you are going through it, at least when we were going through it, it sucked. It was hard. It was discouraging.
It felt like the end.
My dad preached a great sermon last Sunday on this very topic. He gave an analogy of a string of pearls, and how, if you look back on the circumstances of your life and string them all up like a string of pearls – when you go through a new trial, you can go back and touch every pearl and say “This trial was preparing me for now.”
“All that befalls us on our road to heaven
is meant to fit us for the journey’s end”
I love that quote by Charles Spurgeon. It speaks volumes to the Christian life, and how we as believers don’t have to worry about our circumstances. That doesn’t mean that we won’t, it just means that we don’t HAVE to.
All we have to do is trust.
Trust that He is doing what He promised he would do. Trust that He is working everything out for our ETERNAL good.
Trust Him Unconditionally… Undeniably… Unknowingly.
Trust, so that when the big things happen in our lives, (sure there will be fear and anxiety) we will not have to question who we can run to. We will not have to question who holds our future and our hearts.
We can run straight into the arms of our Savior.
Do you have a string of pearls in your life, or do you have a choker of leather?
Its all in how you look at your circumstances….I choose to look at them with awe and admiration of how my God is truly sovereign. He is truly working everything out for my good. And no matter what happens to me in this life, this truly ends well for me.
Truly.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the analogy of the string of pearls. It is so true.
Prayers continue for you, Emma and your family, Heather.
As usual, a fabulous post. I am currently on week 2 of Beth Moore’s Esther study and on the video last week she said something about this as well. As you know, she makes no bones about the fact that she has struggled–REALLY struggled–through life in situations that she is able to see now as part of who she has become. She said something to the effect of, “You don’t reach your destiny by amputating your history.” She spoke about God being able to use every little thing in our lives to bring us to this very point in time and to bring Him glory. So wonderful. So amazing. God is SO good! She also made the analogy of rowing a boat; that though you are facing your past, you continue to row in the direction of your future. And we must all deal with our pasts while still vigorously rowing toward tomorrow. A little twist in that I think she is referrring to bad choices as much as difficult situations of which we have no control, but true, true, true.
Thanks for sharing.
Beautifully said (as usual). That’s confirmation for me today. Thank you, Heather.
Lovely post Heather. I have quite a string of pearls myself. I love the way you put it. Quite some time ago I wouldn’t have looked at them as a remembrance of things learned, only things lost. Then, in a difficult transition time for my family I felt my prayers shift perspective. God gave me such peace and I began to see that I was in a time of learning big things God had wanted me to finally “get”. It is amazing to actually see the pearl as you are adding it to the string.
Your posts are so honest and thoughtful…I enjoy them very much. Thank you!
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Amen, Heather, amen.
Why is it that the hardest thing to do during trials is to look UP? I know He loves me, I know He will take care of me, I know He wants the best for me. Why am I so stubborn and choose to wallow?
Lord, help us to focus on You and You alone.
Grace and Peaces last blog post..On Obedience
I absolutely love looking back and realizing that the things that happened in the past happened to allow for the present and future.
Well said. Love the pearl analogy.
Emily Barleans last blog post..Attention to: Practice
I LOVE that analogy. Great thoughts…thanks for sharing!
Sarahs last blog post..Free Paint!
I really needed to read this right now. Thank you…
Heather, your words inspire and encourage me. The comments from your readers do the same. Might they want to rally the prayer chain for another young brain tumor patient? Kate McRae is 5 years old and just had surgery to remove an aggressive, malignant brain tumor. Although I don’t know her or her family, my heart breaks for them. She has a huge fight ahead of her and I’m sure the family could use the prayers.
You can read more at:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate
Another good reminder (God’s sending them to me from all over) to keep trusting – even when I look at the horizon and wonder if I’ll truly be able to handle what I think I see coming… God has been faithful every moment of my life til now and He’s not about to stop. Thanks for the string of pearls picture of that… I think I’ll get one out (of some sort) or maybe make one of some of my daughter’s beads to keep out as a reminder. : )
Melissa Mays last blog post..Where am I?
Please pray for little Kate:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate
She just had surgery for an aggressive, malignant brain tumor and has a long road ahead of her. Although I do not know her or her family, I’ve been touched by her story. Heather, maybe you can share some insight with her mom as to what little Kate might be facing? She’s having difficulty finding words and I remember reading you had similar challenges.
Beautiful thoughts, as always! I seem to handle the BIG crises calmly and with grace, but it’s the little, everyday things I let rattle me. I need to trust in the small things… Does that make sense? (((((HUGS))))) sandi
(((((HUGS))))) sandis last blog post..A Wife’s Biblical Submission~Weeks 1 & 2