When the Suffering is Long
Oh, friends. My heart is heavy tonight. There are so many things I’m dealing with right now that I can’t even verbalize (that I’m not even allowed to put into words). Would you please pray for me and my family? It isn’t anything between us, but it’s something that is happening to our family that we seem to have no control of.
I know that God is good. I know all the right things I’m supposed to say and think. And yet I still have this inner sorrow that I can’t get rid of. I wonder, How long, Oh, Lord? How long?
Praying for you Joy, that God will give you glimpses of beauty in the midst of a difficult time.
Thank you–it means so much to know that others are praying for us!
Joy…keeping you close in prayer.
Thank you so much, Maria!
I'm so sorry you are going through a season of great difficulty. Sometimes it can feel like we are the only ones going through difficulties and that we are left to suffer alone. It’s easy to forget God is always right there with you drawing you to Himself, wanting you to run to Him with your heartaches and tears. I know its usually in my trials that I grow the most in my spiritual life. I try to remember that God is working ALL things for my good and that He is only trying to wean me from this world and remind me that this place is not my home. I believe the trials, that appear to be more frequent lately, are sent to prepare us for the more difficult trials that are to come. He is building our faith so that our faith will not fail and we will endure to the end. Where would we be without hope? If we suffer so much while knowing Christ, how terrible it must be for those who suffer not knowing Him who daily bears all our burdens and gives us hope of an eternity spent with Him. When I’m going through trials I try to spend more time in the Word and in prayer. I also keep music on in our home that plays only scripture, which reminds me of the promises of God. Have you heard of the Hidden in My Heart cd’s? We LOVE those so much because they are strictly scripture put to music! I’ll be continuing to pray for you and your sweet family. If you need anything at all, I’m just a phone call away or a few miles away. 😀 Love you guys!
Kristin, thank you so much for sharing such encouraging thoughts. I'm so thankful to have you for a friend–you're a sweet blessing!
We will be praying for you and your family. If it isn't too trite may I offer these words of encouragement from the bible. I need to read them regularly myself.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18New International Version (NIV)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Thank you so much for praying and for sharing the verses, Christy! Not trite at all, but very encouraging! Thanks for reminding me of this beautiful passage of Scripture.
I feel your sorrow Joy-we are so sorely tested sometimes it is hard to understand-and when its one thing after another our hearts bruise more easily-
Praying for you all especially for an end to these trials and the strength to cope in the meantime
Blessings
Fiona ♥
Thank you so much, Fiona! ♥
I am praying. It's awesome when you find a song that just speaks to you in the middle of your struggle. Holy encouragement! I have hear that there is a bird that learns it's song in the night. May you find your song even in the midst of all the pain and struggle.
Christina
Thank you, Christina! That's a very encouraging thought. ♥
Praying and thinking of you, Joy! — Ashley
Thank you so much, Ashley!
We will be praying, Joy. We aren't too far if you need us!
Thank you so much, Traci. That means a lot to me. And it was so nice to hear from you!
The Lord loves you so much that He tailor made this particular trial just for you – sovereignly knowing that it would be these set of circumstances that would bring you ever closer to Him and bring Him glory. {hug} I will pray for you and your family – for strength in Him and comfort through His Word.
Thank you, Carol. I know you're right–He has a plan for us, I'm sure. Sometimes it's just hard to see past the current circumstances. Thanks so much for praying!