On Saturday I had the honor of speaking to a group of women in Kansas. I love sharing our story. I love digging deep into God’s word and scattering hope to those who need it. I love watching Him take the hard parts of our lives and turning it into something magical; all for His glory!
The past five years have been anything but easy – infertility, adoption, a year of colic, a year of strep throat followed by a tonsillectomy, depression, a marriage that barely made it, and an Apraxia diagnoses.
Life hasn’t exactly been easy; but it’s been good.
There’s a lot of grace and a lot of gifts!!!
As I prepared for my talk, a list of questions tumbled onto the pages of my journal.
What would our faith look like if we never faced hard stuff? What if we embraced the hard and viewed it as our chance to grow closer to a Holy God? What if there are valuable lessons waiting to be learned amidst the mess? What if the mess is the only way we can become more like Christ?
But the question I couldn’t get out of my mind was this: Why do we all want a quick fix to our problems? What if He has a bigger plan and we miss the miracles by rushing it?
I believe from the depths of my soul that God can do anything!
I watched Him do more than I could have ever imagined, guessed, or requested during our adoption journey.
But I would have missed so many miracles had he just allowed me to get pregnant.
What glory does He want to reveal through our hardships?
1st Peter 4:12-13 says when life gets really difficult; don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
HARD IS GOING TO HAPPEN!
John 16:33 says I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I have conquered the world!
Many times when we are faced with difficult situations or seasons, we question God. Why would a loving Father allow cancer, infertility, or a speech-disorder diagnosis?
Even the disciples questioned the bad stuff.
Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind. (John 9:3)
Jesus’ answer is profound.
Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the words of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:3)
I believe each challenge we face is an opportunity for God’s glory to be proclaimed in our lives.
Because God’s glory shines brightest in the dark!
****Join me Wednesday for the conclusion of What the Hard Stuff Teaches Us…****