Pages

2.07.2011

Encouragement.

I heard a message in church not long ago...
The gist was as follows:

TALK IS CHEAP!
When people are suffering...
SHOW them love.

Chris and I have been on the receiving end of this love and I will share with you...
it's overwhelming...
especially for two people who are not good at asking for help!

Ri gets her..."I can do it myself" very honest!

Our friends, Amy and Josh, watched our babies on Friday night so me and Chris could get a "mental break!"
We also went home with a dinner prepared by Josh's parents.
Amy shared that they just wanted to do something for us...
They know how much Amy and Josh love our family...
and who their kids love...they love!

I know...a true testament of God's love!

I also received a devotional book from Liz's daughter-in-law with a similar message...
I have been praying for you and your family and thought this would be a comfort in your time of need!

That night I opened the book to the devotional for that day.

February 1
This is my doing.  1 Kings 12:24

In lieu of sharing the entire devotional, I will just share with you what pierced my heart.

My child, I have a message for you today.  Let me whisper it in your ear so any storm clouds that may arise will shine with glory, and the rough places you may have to walk will be made smooth.  It is only four words, but let them sink into your inner being, and use them as a pillow to rest your weary head.
"This is my doing."

You did not come to this place by accident--you are exactly where I meant for you to be.

Have you not asked Me to make you humble?  Then see that I have placed you in the perfect school where this lesson is taught.  Your circumstances and the people around you are only being used to accomplish My will.  

Are you experiencing time of sorrow?  "This is my doing."  I am a "man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering" (Isa. 53:3)  I have allowed your earthly comforters to fail you, so that by turning to Me you may receive "eternal encouragement and good hope" (2Thess. 2:16)

Today I place a cup of holy oil in your hands.  Use it freely, My child.  Anoint with it every new circumstance, every word that hurts you, every interruption that makes you impatient, and every weakness you have.

The pain will leave as you learn to see Me in all things.


-------------------------------

I will tell you...
I am learning a lot about who I am during this season of life...
but better yet, who I want to be.

I have learned that my relationship with God is different, but more substantial.
Maybe I will share more on this later...maybe not...
but regardless, this is His plan.

Chris and I discussed over our date...
and have come to realize...
that we have little control over circumstances!

So, if we are out of control...
we are so lucky  He is in control!

2 comments:

The Odeh's said...

What a lesson Sara. . .I too am learning this one the hard way. I have been reading a devotional called "Jesus Calling". What is the name of yours? Great stuff. My devotional speaks to my heart too! Praying for you and your family!

The Odeh's said...

Dear Sara, I just heard the news. I am so sorry. I don't know your pain but one day I will and I know how much you loved and adored your mom. What a beautiful woman she was. She is with the Lord now for sure. What a beautiful and pain free place for her. Being held in His arms and away form suffering. I know you miss her and I know you are going to for a long time. You are so amazing and have had such an amazing woman you got the honor of calling mom. I am praying for you and your family. xxoo