I am so fortunate to have a group of women at church who love the Lord and love to get together and study the Bible. We are currently studying Priscilla Shirer's
Jonah-Navigating a Life Interrupted. I am really enjoying it. It is all about dealing with all of the "interruptions" that come our way in this life.....all the times things are not going like WE think they should. I've learned that these are not interruptions but divine interventions with God. We are so fortunate that God wants to partner with us to get through whatever it is we are facing. Another point made, that I have heard before, that I totally know to be true is that when we are frustrated and feel that things are not happing "naturally," it's because God has the supernatural in store for us. It's during these struggles and interruptions that we learn to rely on God and receive the blessing of seeing Him all around us working in everything.
I have a sweet friend who has just endured the most painful struggle I can imagine-she lost her 13 year old son tragically and unexpectedly in December. He was a friend of my sons and we know the whole, sweet family. They are wonderful people and I can't imagine the pain they have endured. Last Tuesday I went to hear her speak to our community about the "interruption" they have encountered with the loss of their beloved son. She was absolutely amazing. She gave the most beautiful testimony and shared the supernatural encounters they have had with God through all of this. God has worked in front of their eyes and behind the scenes through this all and she glorified Him in sharing Him with us all. I was blessed to be in that audience and I am blessed to be her friend. God is so good, all of the time. He's good when we are feeling the blessings overflow around us and He is good when the valley is dark. He is always good and always at work for the greater good. What peace that brings!
I've recently started to do a daily devotional with Reed. He's 14 now and I really feel God urging me not to let these valuable years pass me by....to use every day to help him grow closer to God and to learn that a heart full of love for God is all that really ever matters. When we were talking and reading last night, we were talking a little bit about how hard it is to be a teenager and resist things that some kids are consumed with. He opened his Bible and read me a verse that they had learned about in FCA months ago. Dear Brothers and Sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2. It meant so much to me for him to open his Bible and share this with me and how awesome is God for bringing me this word through my son. First, He sent this word through my church friends, then my dear friend, Kristi, and now through my sweet son. It is a lesson I will cherish. How awesome to look at strife and trouble with joyful eyes. There may not always be "happiness" in certain situations, but there can always be JOY when we live with the Spirit of the Lord in our hearts and the Word of God on our tongues. Thankfully, there is no trouble greater than God.
