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Monday, October 1, 2007

God's Sovereignty in the midst of pain...

There is a part of me that does not want to be writing right now, even though that is what I love to do. Life has been emotional. This last week was a time of great joy and great pain.

The pain:

Abraham and Molly Piper (John Piper’s son and daughter in law) lost a full term baby.

Sweet Copeland went to her Heavenly Father after struggling to stay with her parents for one week. Copeland has had more of an impact in her one week of life than many of us do a lifetime.

A friend had to attend the funeral of a family who lost their college son to suicide.

And I still grieve for Amy’s husband and son.


The joy:

I celebrated 14 years of marriage this last week. This is a great blessing after many hard times in the past.

I received news of great joy from a loved one. An answer to prayer that has been prayed for, for years.

And my cousin who has worked so hard raising financial support for his life as a missionary is just 3% away from leaving October 9th. (updated: he reached 100% YEA!!)


Where is God in all of this? Do we not accept pain but only joy? But why Lord do you bless a family with a daughter who only lives one week? Why did Amy have to go through so much suffering? Why did this college son decide killing himself was the only answer to life’s problems?

Why….

should be a word that is erased from my vocabulary, unfortunately it is not. The Lord led me to read a passage from a John Piper book titled The Pleasures of God. John’s Mom was killed instantly in an accident when John was a young man, it shocked everyone who knew and loved her. Also there were many painful times he shared also, and now the loss of his granddaughter.


John said in his book: “As I knelt by my bed and wept….I never doubted that God was sovereign…and that God was good. I do not need to explain everything. That he reigns and that he loves is enough for now.”

We don’t have the answers, and no matter how much it hurts we may not understand this side of glory. But to stand on the foundation of God’s sovereignty and the tremendous love He has for each one of us….IS ENOUGH FOR RIGHT NOW. And enough to face this next week, and whatever may come.





I would love for you to visit me at Book Buzz here on CWO or my personal blog: Laurel Wreath

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9 Comments:

Blogger Kelli said...

Hey now, hey now. You read my mind and wrote my post.

I've had a draft I've been working on all week about this. maybe now, I'll just link to yours.

I'm here, just a phone call away :) Or even IM.

Love you.

September 30, 2007 at 8:57 PM  
Blogger Praise and Coffee said...

Laurel,
What an awesome heartfelt post, thank you.
So true. He is the same God in the midst of tradgedy and trial as he is in time of joy and rejoicing.

Until I realized this, I never really knew Him.

Still striving to walk closer to Him,
Sue

October 1, 2007 at 7:03 AM  
Blogger eph2810 said...

Laurel, I know we often go through some season of pain and hurt, we don't understand 'why'...I know, I have been there; I know that I will be there again too.
I think John Piper has said it well "That he reigns and that he loves is enough for now."
We just have to trust Him...I know it is hard sometimes, but His love endures forever.

Thank you for sharing from your heart...(((hugs)))

October 1, 2007 at 7:07 AM  
Blogger Vicki said...

Beautifully expressed, my dear Laurel. These things have been on my heart lately, too, but it comforts me to know His love never fails. He is weaving a tapestry we cannot see this side of Heaven...not yet.

hugs,
Vicki

October 1, 2007 at 11:49 AM  
Blogger Denise said...

I see your beautiful heart shining through this post, thanks for sharing.

October 1, 2007 at 1:20 PM  
Blogger Heather Smith said...

Beautiful post, Laurel. I'm so glad to know that even when I don't understand, I can stand on God's sovereignty and rest in His loving care!

October 1, 2007 at 1:39 PM  
Blogger lori said...

Laurel,
When a dear friend of mine's husband was instantly killed in a car accident, leaving behind 3 small children..I, in the midst of the pain knew that God was good and that I could not and would likely never understand...and that had to be enough..
Your post this morning was such a reminder that in the midst of those pains...Sara Groves sings a song where she says, "I don't doubt your sovereignty, I doubt my own abilities..." That is when we cling...cling...cling...
beautiful post, thanks for putting your heart out there.
lori

October 1, 2007 at 2:37 PM  
Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Hey Laurel ~

I've often said God speaks in themes -

My tomorrow post follows this same vein...I trust God knows who is reading and has a very special word for us first and then for that woman He is trying to reassure and comfort.

Blessings on you friend!!

Lisa

October 1, 2007 at 3:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laurel,

Beautiful and comforting. I know so many who don't know the sovereinty of God. I cannot imagine who they withstand the pain.

Wonderful.

October 1, 2007 at 5:38 PM  

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