When our family announced that Anna has Leukemia last Sunday a dear friend said through a shower of tears, "Just remember that God counted you worthy to bear this burden."
What a humbling thought! It makes me want to be as the disciples of God who counted it an honor to lose their lives for Christ's sake. We don't often look at the trials of life as an honor but we should, even the trials of correction. He is purifying us to make our image more like His. He is using us for His glory not for our own.
God gave His perfect Son to die for our sins. He was the only one who could fully wipe away the black stain of sin. Why do we, who have been given everything, have such a big problem with God testing us and using us to show his glory.
God gave us His promise to be the strength that we need to face these trials if we simply serve Him faithfully. We often say that, "God will never give us anything that we can't handle." This is untrue.
God always gives us things that we can't handle so that we have to depend on His strength. He provides everything we need. He is our strength, our peace, and our patience.
28. Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding. 29. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. 30. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint,
~Isaiah 40:28-31
7. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
~Isaiah 52:7
9. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. 10. As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
~Galations 6:9-10
Thank you so much!!! I really needed to hear that. it's such an encourage mint!!!
ReplyDeleteyour friend always and forever!!!
Emilie Johnson =D
Naomi, hey, I'm Tilly Cameron - we talked a bit at the Christian Heritage picnic and talked about getting together...something that hasn't happened yet :)...
ReplyDeleteI love how you pointed out that though "we often say that 'God will never give us anything that we can't handle,'... this is untrue." I love this! It's so awesome that we don't have to depend on our own strength, though we try to do so ALL THE TIME... I am so inspired and challenged by the way you and your family (I've been reading your mom's blog as well) are responding to Anna's leukemia diagnosis.
Thank you for leaning on Jesus and letting Him shine through you and work in your life.
Dear Naomi, thank you for your example of peace and patience in the midst of the raging storm about you. I've been reading through Matthew, and I was especially touched by the passage when Jesus and His disciples were in the ship during the storm. They thought that they would sink, but Jesus stilled the raging sea. Just remember that when Jesus is in your midst, you'll never go down! Keep looking unto Jesus!
ReplyDeleteI love you!
Sarah
Psalm 191
This has encouraged me greatly!
ReplyDeleteI have never thought of a trial like this before, but it is indeed humbling.
Thank you for sharing!
I am praying for you all!
Will be praying for the appointments later this morning.
-Gilead
Last night in my reading I cam upon this passage in Acts chapter 5 and thought of this post.
Delete41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
It really is something to think about, and a reminder of the joy we have in Christ; even in hard times.
Thanks again for posting.
Dear Naomi, I'm so thankful for our merciful, loving and very patient Heavenly Father. He always knows how and when to remind us of His truths and promises from His Word. Thank you for sharing your heart. I'm pretty sure we ALL needed this reminder of depending upon HIS strength... at least I know I did. I'm praying for you! I'm not the oldest sibling, but my sister always said that the oldest tends to carry more of the burden, responsibility, etc... Praying for God's strength for you today. Many prayers for today... praying for that match to be found. I love you! Hugs, Mrs. Potvin
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that you, my dear sweet daughter, Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength! It is evident in your daily life, sweet disposition, and the strength you show in every trial. I love you dearly!!!! I am blessed by you and your testimony!
ReplyDeleteNaomi,
ReplyDeleteVery well stated. You are very big encouragement to my family and I. The Lord is using you in remarkable ways. We continue, as many others are, to pray that one of the older siblings will be a match for Anna.
In Christian Love,
Brother Rick Potvin
Pr. 3:5-6
that is a great encouraged to me I needed to read that. and it is humbling.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I am praying for you all!
-Brady
I didn't even know you had a blog, but this post showed up in my wanderings. Those verses in Galatians are two of my favorites! I find it interesting sometimes how watching someone suffer and not being able to help can often be just as big of a trial as suffering yourself. It is refreshing to see you realize these truths. Please continue to share what you learn. Isn't it exciting to know that, if we trust God completely to do what is best for us, He will give us a far more adventurous life than we could imagine. ;) People search all of their lives for something new and entertaining and fulfilling, but you have had all of these "adventures" cast in your path. ^_^ Have a great weekend.
ReplyDelete-Fur