Tuesday, August 4, 2009

The purpose of God

"The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship..."*

Last night, as all ten of us were driving back from the city, my husband asked me, "do you think that the Lord could have taught you all that He has without allowing you to get sick?" My answer, "no."

You see, with each illness comes a sense of total reliance on the Lord. In my suffering I have had to learn to rest in the Lord and His ability to take care of all the needs that surround me, my husbands needs, my childrens needs and my own needs. I am learning that I do not have to, nor can I, hold it all together. God is sufficient in ALL things.

Suffering produces humbleness. To admit that I can not do it alone. I just need to be a willing vessel, maintain that sweet fellowship with my Lord, and allow Him to be the all sufficient One.

And so, I sit/lie here in bed. Rest. At moments writhe in pain. Trusting the Lord in ALL things (even contracting a disease that plagues only 500,000 people worldwide/year).

"...That is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually under attack."*

* My Utmost for His Highest

8 comments:

Adeye said...

Completely and utterly dependent too, friend. ABANDONED!

Praying that you are feeling a little better today.

Shauna said...

Get Better, My Friend!

Michelle A said...

It's amazing how often I wander off in my own strength and God must bring me to this same place, over and over again. I'm letting go AGAIN this morning and resting in Him along with you. Praying for healing for you in whatever way God chooses today.

Sarah said...

Dear one, I understand. I have faced so many illnesses on this mission field, my children and husband as well. Do I continue trusting, resting in Him, Of course. Jesus took all my sins and all my diseases, to heal all of me, but I still walk around with some in my body. I will take His cure to the nations. His blood which washes away the sins of the world, the most hideous disease I can fathom.

But I can also pray, and war for you my sister as you raise a righteous generation.

Lord, I come before you and rejoice in the faith of my sister. Her heart, to radically obey you, laying even her health on the altar as a sacrifice to you. Lord, you bless obedience, you provide the ram and I believe you will provide the strength, energy, and healing that she needs to continue walking in the beautiful call on her life. You Lord contend with those (including this sickness) who contend with her. You fight against those who fight against her. I take hold of the shield and buckler for my sister, and stand up for her help. I draw out the spear and javelin and close up the way of this sickness that pursues and persecutes her. The Lord is her deliverance. ( Psalm 35: 1-3)

Restful blessings of His health,
Sarah Dawn

Anonymous said...

Just found your blog through "Nations Around Our Table" The Lord encouraged me today as I was feeling down about a terminal illness my dad has been diagnosed with. God reminded me that even though it doesn't seem fair, right, bearable... he is the GOD WHO SEES! He also is no stranger to suffering. :( I hope you feel a little better and can continue having such an amazing attitude through your pain. I'm sorry!
Jessie at Blog Schmog

Nicole said...

We are praying for your family! You all are inspirational!!! Many blessings!
-Nicole
www.bakerssweets.blogspot.com

Bethany W. said...

Transformed -
This post really hits the nail on the head! I am right there with you! Each time I forget my own weakness and stray confidently away from God He is kind enough to send the affliction which draws me back in. And, praise God that your husband is so kind, loving, and serving to you! (Mine is a blessing to me as well).

Your children are beautiful, and I look forward to reading more!

Bethany

Kathy said...

What an important perspective your husband helped you articulate! It is to true that some things can only be truly learned through difficult lessons. Your heart to please God is so evident, and I know His lessons are not wasted! What a beautiful woman of God He is shaping you to be. How good He is to continue to mold us! Praying for grace to endure and health and strength for tomorrow!