I was surfing around my social media sites, reading the words by some of my favorite Bible speakers and a graphic stopped me in my scrolling. These words resonated to where I have been. They made me ponder on the lessons, I have learned in the past few months.
“Hardship and loss are strict teachers, but if you lean in, They will help trade sorrow for a cup of compassion.” – Patsy Clairmont
For the past two and half months, I have been leaning in on our Lord and leaning hard. I have needed His truths to light my way, His arms to carry me through each day and His love to remind me whom I belong to. Death has not been a stranger to my family, by the ending of 2015. After Grammie passed away, we had a 31 yr old cousin pass away before we were able to have a proper burial for Grammie. In the two weeks preceding their deaths, we had a friend pass away on the same day as my step father in law. As the grief was bearing down, life had its hardships and obstacles to crawl through as well. Yet all the while, God was there. His Word kept me focused and guided me down this path. There were days even moments, I wanted to give in to myself and lash out. All I wanted to do was hide in my own little world. But He would plant a truth in my heart. He would guide me in ways to live that seemed hard. He reminded me of who I am and the gifts He has provided within me and for me. That He was still here. He is the hope for my future. While I may not understand the whys behind this season in my life. I did have to make a decision on how I was going to respond to each and every circumstance. Though I will admit, I was not always graceful or even grateful in my response to each circumstance I came into, however I still had a choice. As do you when you find yourself in a place of hardships and loss. Yet remember, it is only for a little while that we are in these places. While it may seem difficult, embrace the circumstance and lean in to our Lord for there is a reward to be found. I found myself growing in this season and though at times I feel alone on this road. I know that God is with me and is teaching me more about the things He wants me to do in His business. I just have to trust and obey. In these past moments of loss and hardships, I have seen His hand in the rewards. While there were deaths, God has blessed with new lives. While there has been mental confusion, God placed people in my life to help clarify. While there has been conflicts, God has worked all things out. I would like to leave with you today, a wonderful promise from God’s Word.
“10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10 NKJV”
In His Love, Crisi