(Actually, it's now 14 days since my last post. I started this one three days ago and then something else *hit the fan* so to speak.) So it's a little inaccurate now. Whatever.
*Deep, deep sigh*
Today all the kids are finally back to school and the flu has hopefully left our house for good.
We had an ice storm, and then last night we had a thunderstorm. In January. Weird. It's like the weather is matching all the other crazy stuff going on.
(No worries though, because we also had a snow storm and school was cancelled three days this week...that's just part of the update for you. Confused yet? I am.)
Our tiny little church was a part of two funerals in the past two weeks.
And some things you think would never happen. Happen.
And you pray. And pray and pray and pray some more.
Because life sometimes...well, it's terribly messy. And hard. And sometimes walking with people through their hard stuff brings a unique kind of pain.
And sometimes you just want to blame it on the terrible month of January, and let yourself believe that if you can just make it to February 1st, it will be better.
Because maybe it will.
A few weeks ago, I came across this verse from our Bible Study and although I'd heard it before, I heard it that time in a new way.
John 16:33
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus sets the bar at trouble. "You will have trouble" Period. It's like He said to me, expect it. Don't be shocked, and certainly stop trying to live life in ways to avoid the trouble. Life is trouble. But Jesus has told me the things I need to know and hear, so that I can have peace. And then He gives a big, fat, fresh dose of perspective by reminding me that these current troubles, are just itty bitty in the scheme of things.
Big picture: He has overcome the world.
The world, and all the crap that it has to offer and throw at me...I can deal with because of Jesus.
He has won already.
Posts
Amen and amen!
ReplyDeleteyes.
ReplyDeleteWell written. Thanks for sharing your honest, open heart.
ReplyDeleteFavorite verses:
1 Cor. 15:57-58
Praying for you, friend. :)
This is good, Sarah. So right!! Praise God for His Word, His promises, His coming again!!
ReplyDeleteI understand wanting to blame January. This year I'm doing monthly themes with my kids. We're naming the months based on the focus we want to have during that month. For instance, February is Fill a Bucket February. We'll choose different people weekly so we can "fill their buckets". (based on books by Carol McCloud). March is Missions March...you get the idea. ANYWAY, January was Just Survive January. I tell you this only to make you halfway smile. :o)
Praying for you & your people.
Thanks for reminding me that "the joy of the Lord is my strength." Love your posts...I can relate! :)
ReplyDeleteAmen! Great post. May God fill you with all good things as you seek to minister to others. Becca
ReplyDeleteI love how suddenly a verse you knew jumps out at you just when you need it and "speaks to you in a whole new way." Our God is an awesome God...
ReplyDeleteYes. He has overcome. And look at what tribulation does for us- ROMANS 5:1-5- LOVE it! There is so much hope in God's Word!
ReplyDelete