So we found out some discouraging, but not entirely unexpected, news this past week. I am not ready to share with the blog world yet as we are still processing it and haven't told everyone we need to. However, I was feeling really sad after getting this news. Sad and hopeless and mad and...
And then I was flipping through my grandma's Bible looking for a verse to focus on for the beginning of May. And I ran across 1 John 4:16.
And so we know
and rely
on the love God has for us.
(emphasis mine)
And I didn't even realize until later that this verse continues. "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." But I'm focusing on the first half of the verse. I know God loves me (our family) despite the news we received. We can rely on God's love for us despite... Because, despite it all, God IS love.
To me this verse carries a similar promise to Jeremiah 29:11. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" God knows what is coming (has come) our way and we can trust God to get us through it because we can rely on His love.
This verse will be carrying me through the next weeks and months as the effects of this news (which I will blog about eventually, it's just not time yet) continue to play out in our lives.
I'm so sorry! I'll be praying for you. I really do know how hard it is to trust God and continue to walk through the discouraging times, but He is always faithful to us. He is with you, even when it doesn't feel like it.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about the discouraging news :( will be praying for your family!
ReplyDeleteOh no! I hope everything will soon turn out okay, and I'll be praying. I have definitely struggled with turning my worries over to God and relying on Him. I know He loves me and wants the best for us, but it is hard when you are right in the middle of a trial. That is a great verse! I try to remember that although God is not the cause of the bad things, He wants to help us through them. Sounds like the evil one is at work to try to steal your joy. Don't let him! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYou know, sometimes, God writes the story of our life a little differently than what we would. So, whatever it is that your family is going through, just remember that God is going to use it for his Glory. Through reading your blog, I know that you have a very strong family and that you all deeply love each other. Hold on tight to them and God and you all will get through whatever comes your way. I'll be praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tracy. I know that even though this news wasn't in our plans God already knows how it's going to turn out. I just want that human reassurance that it is all okay RIGHT NOW!
DeleteAw I'm so sorry for whatever sad thing is going on, Natasha. But what a good and encouraging word from your Grandma's Bible...to rely. So hard. :( Praying for you, friend.
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