It's that summer after you graduate from college.
It's the long wedding engagement.
It's the waiting for a prognosis.
It's that last flight home.
You've come so far. But there's so far to go.
And right now, for our family...this last stretch is taking its toll on us. We have been strung so tightly for the last 8 months-- trying to balance and keep afloat with the demands of a full life in the midst of surviving house staging and selling/buying.
That finish line was today, but with nothing coming together the way we had hoped and with much on the line...we are both deflated and yet determined to rest in his sovereignty.
And all the limbo...in the midst of other real life heartaches.
I can't help but be nudged in my heart by this: It is tender mercy that my loving Father would give me no choice but to fall heavy upon his grace and trust him.
Trials make us hungry for all that usually pass unnoticed...they make us aware of the everyday miracle of grace.
It's grace that suffering isn't purposeless when I think I've been treated unjustly...
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. (1 Peter 2:19-20)
It's grace when I crave better than what I have and find that it's all more than I deserve...
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17)
It's grace when when things don't happen according to my plan but happen for my good...
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
It's grace "that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Let me say it again: All the pain in this kingdom doesn't compare to the glory that is fulfilled in His.
And so I ask you to join me in looking past this present hardship, this present suffering, this present circumstance that doesn't make sense...
...and fix our eyes on Christ, our everyday miracle of grace who comforts, provides, delivers, and answers. Just the freedom to call upon his name is miracle enough for today's burdens. Friends, let's just marvel and be amazed.
I wish I could spill my guts about all that is not what it should be right now in my life...but perhaps it is a blessing that I cannot; it's not similar circumstances that bind you and me together, friend, it's our mutual hope.
Because of grace,
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