Purpose in Pain: Backfire!

Don’t you just love it when good triumphs over evil?! Isn’t it great when the wicked fall into their own pit? (Proverbs 26:27)

I have always loved the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). Sold into slavery by his brothers and later sentenced unjustly to prison, Joseph never lost his faith. He knew God could pull him out of anything and eventually, not only did God get Joseph out of prison and slavery, but He gave Joseph favor and raised him up to second in command to Pharaoh!  (Eph. 3:20) Then, years later when there was a famine in the land, Egypt was prepared (because God had given Joseph foresight and wisdom). At their end, Joseph’s brothers came to beg for food and refuge. They had to beg this from Joseph, though they did not recognize him (assuming he would have died years ago). When Joseph revealed himself (and once their father (Jacob) had died), his brothers feared for their lives. But instead of using his power and authority to condemn them, Joseph delivered one of the most profound thoughts in scripture when he said, “What you intended for evil, God intended for good.”

WOW!  When this pregnancy tragically ended in the loss of the baby I was carrying Satan was very pleased with himself. I have known for years that God has called me into a fulltime ministry (though I do not yet know the full form that will take), and I’m sure Satan thought that this loss would be a sure setback and would halt, if not completely derail my progress, growth, and influence. I must say I had often wondered myself what I would do if ever faced with such a situation. But God, as He promised in scripture, was and is my Rock! When everything around me began to crumble, my foundation held! Talk about an ultimate backfire! Instead of stopping me in my tracks, it gave me more fuel! Because God was so faithful, and I had the opportunity to see and taste His truths and see the Word put to the test and prevail in my life as never before, I am more determined than ever to share of the great things God has done!

You see, if you and I will keep God in the forefront of our minds and keep our hearts turned toward Him, we will see this powerful scenario played out again and again in our own lives. And in doing so, we’ll open up the door not only for our own deliverance but for the benefit of others as they witness the power of our great God at work in our lives to turn tragedy into triumph.

Whatever you are going through, give it to God right now. He can use anything to bring Himself glory. And if we will pour out our lives before Him, He will take our darkest moments and use them to bring light to the world. What Satan intends for our evil, God will use for our good. Take that Satan!

Purpose in Pain: Jesus Has Overcome!

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

This verse has often been a source of strength, power and hope to me over the years. As I got ready for bed the night after learning that our baby was now with Jesus, I heard this in my Spirit, and it ministered to me more than ever. Read it again! (Please commit it to memory so when you need it, it will be there!)

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Christ never promised us a perfect or easy life, and anyone who was told that being a Christian meant that the things of this world won’t touch you was sorely deceived. Quite the opposite, Jesus warned us clearly that we would indeed have many trials and struggles just like everyone else. But in us there is a difference!

This scripture doesn’t mean the things of this world won’t happen to us. It means that in Christ we can (we will!) find the strength to rise above them! The difference between us and the world (those who don’t know Christ) is not that we don’t suffer, but rather that we are not affected the same way. The world will suffer and be struck down. We will suffer, but in Christ we will rise up higher!

“for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” Proverbs 24:16

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

Please take a moment to click the link below and let this song minister to you as is has to me. We too face pain and suffer trial, and yet, because of our risen Lord, we can stand again and say, “Bring it on world! For by the power of Christ, which lives in me, I will rise!”  

“I Will Rise” By Chris Tomlin   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yvfso4Q8xg

Purpose in Pain: The Power of Peace

We were given the option to have tests run to find out exactly what had caused the loss of the pregnancy. Both Tim and I said, without hesitation, that we did not need to know. I see nothing wrong with finding out, and had it been our first I believe we may have been more likely to opt for this testing; however, in this moment we were both able to just accept that God was in complete control and had it all taken care of. The fact that He knew what was going on was sufficient.

I have mentioned that scripture was put to the test in my life through this trial as never before. In addition to this, I began to see many scriptures that I had quoted for years in an entirely new way.

As I was getting ready for bed that night, I was trying to figure out how it was possible that I didn’t feel the need to ask why and that we had no need to be able to explain it all. Being such a strong type A personality, this is very against my nature. Then the Lord brought these verses to mind:

  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

I had always seen this scripture as describing a peace that could not be explained and that passed all reason. This is very true, but this night I understood an entirely new aspect of God’s peace. Not only does it pass understanding, but it surpasses understanding, meaning it is better than understanding! So it hit me; having the peace of God was better than having the scientific explanation.  Not only can God’s peace not be explained, but it means I need no explanation!

Think on that for a while. It is amazing. I can’t explain the peace we had, but because we had it we needed no further understanding. Only God can do that…especially in someone like me who always feels the need to understand everything!

With this kind of peace we can take whatever life throws our way. But there is only one way to obtain this peace, and that is by coming to and abiding in the One who gives it.

So that night, wrapped in my husband’s arms and the Father’s love, I drifted off to sleep with a heavy heart but a spirit that was inexplicably strong and at peace.

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “ Matthew 5:4

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18