My sister went to a website called Wordle which will take the words most used in your blog and make an image of them. She was so moved (and so was I) to find that the words NEED GOD were dominant.
It has been very hard on Amanda and Craig to watch their little daughter Sophie endure so many surgeries. It has been excruciating for them to be the ones inflicting pain through daily injections and cleaning of wounds. And yet they have an awareness of God and His mercies through the very need of Him.
The problem of pain and suffering and evil conflicts many people about the goodness of God. And yet, Christians' testimonies through the ages have always proclaimed that they would rather suffer with Him and see His provision then live halcyon days with little awareness of His presence. Our hurts can be a severe mercy from the heart of a God who also suffered so that He could be near to us.
Joy cometh!
just happened on your blog, & enjoyed reading a few of your posts this evening, like the dilly one. and i am so sorry to read about your sister's family's pain. i am (slowly) recovering from a health crisis that began in sept. 2010, & your sentiments here remind of of a quote that God gave me when i was in the thickest of it. and it's become a treasured reminder of truth to me, so i thought it might bring some comfort to you & your sister's family as well.
ReplyDelete"every cross is a message from God and intended to do us good in the end. rrials are intended to make us think, to wean us from the world, to send us to the Bible, to drive us to our knees. health is a good thing, but sickness is far better if it leads us to God. prosperity is a great mercy, but adversity is a greater one if it brings us to Christ."
- j.c. Ryle
blessings to you, susan.
Thank you so much, J.C. I haven't been on my blog for a while and was so thankful to read your comments. Wonderful quote!
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