Saturday, January 17, 2009

In bed, pondering...

And so, what does a busy mom do when all she can do is lie in bed? Read, ponder and pray. It seems, with me, that the Lord has to knock me low in order to get me to really listen--maybe that is why I am sick all the time. Either way, I am being blessed. I was given the book 'When God Weeps' by Joni Erickson Tada about three months ago. It sat on the shelf despite the high recommendation it came with. The Lord knew when the moment would come where I would sit down, read and listen. If you have ever been through suffering or would like to be better equiped to minister to those suffering, please, please get a copy of this book. It is chalk full of scripture--straight from the throne of Heaven. And offers sound words of encouragement as well as rebuke where our thinking has strade from the Truth.

I recently cried out to my husband, although it was directed at the Lord. "Why am I suffering? Why do I keep getting sick? Have I disobeyed? Am I being rebellious?" God's answer,

This is what I have called you to, "for it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ...to suffer for Him..."Philippians 1:29 & "For just as the sufferings of Christ are our in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ."
2 Corinthians 1:5

It is through suffering that we develop character, hope and perseverence. When it gets down to it, this is not about me, it about God's will being accomplised through me-- a mared, cracked and weak vessel, made strong through my Lord and Savior!

2 comments:

Sheila said...

Just keep casting your cares upon Him, cause He cares for you Summer and keep praising the Lord, bringing Him even a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of your lips giving thanks to His Name... HE IS being glorified in You!!!

To Him be all the glory,
Praying for you,
Sheila

Andy said...

You know, I've been following you for a while now and just recently I have seen and read some very real, raw moments. I wanted to encourage you because this suffering may be hard but it is making you real and ready for more responsibility, more grace and more revelation. Thank you for letting us into your life and allowing yourself to be a vessel for Christ. You have been a great encouragement to me! Hope you are feeling better, I can't imagine getting wisdom teeth out now! Yikes!
love, serenity