It's been a crazy year. I keep saying it over and over again. Followed by but it's only the middle of February. Every time I think we are finally on an even keel something else happens to rock our little boat. Since Christmas:
My husband's grandmother passed away.
My son's best friend passed away.
My husband's other grandmother is not doing well.
My dad has been diagnosed with cancer. (We find out how far it has progressed next week)
My stepmom has had a Bell's Palsy stroke.
I have, with much thought, and many prayers and tears and a lot of heartbreak decided to leave my beloved church due to irreconcilable differences. (This has caused me deep inconsolable grief.)
And my dog is getting old.
It has been a hard year. And it's only February.
BUT.
BUT...
Outweighing all of the above by far is the fact that God is still bigger and God is still greater than all my difficulties. A friend gave me an illustration of God's grace that blew my mind yesterday. She said "Do you know how it is we stay on this straight and narrow without falling? She said He extends the ledge under out feet. I got a picture of a journey on a narrow mountain road and as I step off the ledge he extends it a bit so I don't fall off. I love that. I have needed that Grace, that sufficient grace he gives to walk the journey when it gets rough.
God is still good. All the time. Even when life hurts. That is my Declaration.
2 comments:
A dear friend sent me these verses yesterday as I have been struggling lately like you have, in different ways. Thought I would share them with you.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12, 13 ESV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:6-10 ESV)
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23 ESV)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:5, 6 ESV)
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (Psalm 27:13-14)
What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, (Psalm 116:12, 13 ESV)
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:33 ESV)
"Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind. (Job 23:8-14 ESV)
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV)
A dear friend sent me these verses yesterday as I have been struggling lately like you have, in different ways. Thought I would share them with you.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12, 13 ESV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:6-10 ESV)
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23 ESV)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:5, 6 ESV)
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (Psalm 27:13-14)
What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, (Psalm 116:12, 13 ESV)
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:33 ESV)
"Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind. (Job 23:8-14 ESV)
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV)
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