So, I recently found out some unfortunate news. It has definitely laid a heavy burden upon me emotionally and financially. However, how convenient that lately I have been meditating on 2 Cor. 4.17, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an ETERNAL glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen." When I first received this unfortunate news, I thought- "God, why? why? What else can I handle? Have not the past two years of suffering been enough? Will it ever turn around?" After I repented of my selfish and stubborn; yet hurting heart, I heard the voice of the Lord sympathize, "my child, this place is not your home- I WILL return for you and not only you but my church." There is an eternal glory waiting for me and for all who worship the RISEN Savior. This earth and this present life is hard, and suffering is a reality. No matter what form suffering or hardship comes, it cannot compare to the GLORY to come. This is a profound truth! I am still trying to grasp it.
So, what do I see- I see the past years of pain and suffering. But Scripture promises me something, and it is something that I cannot yet touch, and that is one day every single tear will be wiped away by the scarred hands of Jesus. One day this world will come to an end and all that will remain is God, His Spirit, His Son Jesus Christ, and HIS WORD. And on that day, my faith will finally become sight. When I set my eyes on this, my present suffering slowly fades, and I see the arms of my great King reach towards me.
As I further processed these thoughts, my heart overwhelmed with gratitude. In my tears, my sweet roommate shared with me a quote she had read, "God whispers in our pleasures/joys .......and he screams in our suffering." (a little paraphrase). God could send me one check in the mail solving all my problems or He could take past hurts and pains away over night. But then would I really be able to say, He is the God who bears and suffers long, and He only is provider. Besides, the more small blessings of provision I receive, it only gives me another opportunity to thank my God for his gentle provisions. One massive provision only gives me one opportunity to thank him. But milk one day, a washer/dryer the next, a small financial gift/blessing, a meal, an understanding friend, a wise man/woman's wisdom, a job, etc. These many provisions give me more opportunities to give gratitude to my God and to reflect on the greatest blessing given to me- JESUS CHRIST.
To you and you alone God- I THANK YOU
