By Julie Gernand
We all sat there on the floor, perfectly still and sad, not
knowing what to say or how to pray for our dear friend.
It has been quite a time of turbulence for my dear friend.
Let’s call her Karen. For the past two years, she has been a loyal attender of the weekly Bible study
small group my husband and I attend. Through this time,
we have became familiar with Karen’s struggles.
After moving to the United
States from another country to attend college, Karen began the years-and-years' long process to become a permanent U.S. resident. Government setbacks and
legal jargon have created many stumbling blocks for Karen along the way, but God’s provision has been so clear for my
friend. From surprising monetary gifts received just in the knick of
time, to being able to pay legal bills, to paperwork being processed many
months faster than expected --
All signs seemed to point to certain residency. What a
sigh of relief for all the years of stress placed on Karen.
Yet, just months away from completing her
residency, Karen received the news that due to a string of unforeseen
circumstances, she must drop everything -- from her career to her relationships
in the States -- and return to her home country. For a matter of years she must wait until
she can re-apply to permanently reside in the U.S.A.
Going back. Starting from
scratch. Completely blindsided and full of despair.
Why, Lord? We want to know why.
Why has this fate befallen Karen when all along, through
prayer and petition, all signs pointed to the end of her immigration troubles?
Why does it seem that God has failed to come through when so many miraculous
events appeared to be leading to a permanent life surrounded by
loved ones here in America? Why, Lord, has the bottom simply dropped out from
under our friend’s life, especially when she has been such a faithful believer?
And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ( Romans 8:28)
God’s Word is always true. It is the only constant thing
upon which we can rely in our corrupt, fluctuating world. However, there are
times in which our brains would look upon a situation such as my friend’s and
think, “God, this verse in Romans appears to be a mockery. How in heaven’s name
could anything positive ever come from this situation? One that causes so much
heartbreak?”
And yet, we know that God doe not lie. His word is true.
I am reminded of a speaker I heard at a youth conference
many years ago. His name is Dr. Micah Parker. Micah’s story deeply affected me. To summarize,
his life contained many devastating turns of events, involving the sudden and
unexpected death of his young wife. Micah calls himself “The Trust Guy”. Why? Because he preaches the message that God allows evil
to enter the world, and oftentimes, he will entrust his faithful ones with the trials and consequences. Micah
remembers the moment when a friend revealed this to him. “Micah, God must
really trust you to have put you through your situation,” he was told.
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the
ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom. 29He gives strength to the weary and
increases the power of the weak. 30
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will
soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. ( Isaiah 40: 28-31)
I believe that God often entrusts those he loves with difficult tasks and hardship because he knows that they will
handle them with a trusting, Christlike heart. The Lord reminds his people in
the above verses in Isaiah that, even when the going is exceedingly
disheartening, those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength. They will
continue to walk without losing all hope, for the Lord’s strength will carry
them through as they show others the ways in which the Lord calls us
navigate our worldly troubles.
Godly
people experiencing pain can be some of the most evangelical, powerful
testimonies shown to non-believers, to a watching world.
Thoroughly unfair
though it may appear to us, it is a promise that we will experience trouble in
this world. God promises this:
"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." (John 16:33)
Only God can provide a peace beyond understanding during
these trying times.
Only God knows what
we have gone through and what we have yet to experience.
Only God can give us
true peace in times of trouble.
Yes, life will be hard. But only God has
overcome the world!
Dear Lord, We do not know
why catastrophes happen. We do not know why some experience more heartache than
others. We do know that your love is strong, true, and enduring. We do know
that we will live with you forever in Paradise, far from the evils of the
flesh.
We pray for
stronger relationships with you. We pray that we will always live in light of
your love and mercy.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please refer to my Comment Policy, should you have any questions about content. Thank you!