But God…

You’re not the only ones plunged in these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ – eternal and glorious plans they are! – will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes He does. (1 Peter 5:9-11 Message)

“Ouch!” she exclaimed. “Mommy it hurts.” The mother stood over her daughter, tears flowing down her own cheeks as the doctor poked the needle in her. “I know baby but it will be over soon, I promise.” The daughter is not convinced that mommy is on her side. She knows that most of the time mommy seems to do everything to make her life happier. But at the moment, as mommy holds her down on the table actually helping this man inflict pain on her, she is not sure. She doubts her mother’s love. You see, this little girl does not see the big picture; she cannot know what her mommy knows. Her mommy may try to explain it to her, but she does not have the maturity or capability yet to understand why her mother would purposefully inflict pain on her. Her mother has the understanding that a little pain now will avoid a lot of pain later. This vaccine will help her daughter from becoming deathly ill, and she would not be the loving parent she is if she did not hold her child down on that table. Yet the mother cries with her, never leaving her, understanding her pain. She  cannot wait for the process to be over so she can scoop her in her arms, and tell her “It’s okay honey, it’s all over. Let’s go get you a sticker.” And, of course, now the daughter is once again reassured that mommy loves her.

Are you seeing yourself as the little girl yet? Have you found yourself in moments lately where you are crying out to God, looking up at him with tear filled eyes, asking Him “why are you letting this happen to me?”  Be assured that His eyes are tear filled to, and He is saying “Hang on baby, it will be over soon.”

I have never really believed that God let painful things happen to me. I could not understand how a God who loves me so much, and wants only good things for me, would allow me to be in pain or discomfort. Anything hard or painful that happened in my life, had to be the devil. I would be binding him and telling him where to go, and it seemed that nothing changed … That is, until I became a mother.

I began to realize that sometimes inflicted pain, whether emotional or physical, is sometimes necessary in order to bring growth and maturity. A shot for example, can save a child from death. The little pain prevents greater pain they will never know.

I have recently been going through some things in my own life where my husband and I have really been believing God for some big things. Others have questioned whether God told us or not, because why would God want us to struggle like we are. But we know that we are in the right season. God is growing us and really showing us what we are made of. James 1 has become one of my favorite scriptures: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows it’s true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do it’s work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in anyway.” (James 1:2-4 Message)

Then I found 1 Peter (quoted above). Peter goes on to say “Friends 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 very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner … If you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he is doing, and he’ll keep on doing it … God’s strong hand is on you, and he will promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.” (1Peter 4: 12-13; 19; 5:6-7)

While every Bible character has their story of faith, Joseph is the one that has been encouragement for me. When Joseph was young he was probably a little arrogant, the spoiled favorite son bragging about a dream that he was better than his brothers. Then after he went through all he did he was a humble man. He must have thought several times God was going to pull him out of his situation. He came out of the pit, only to be sold immediately into slavery. He could see himself building a reputation at Potiphar’s house, just to go to prison for something he did not do. Then when he interpreted the butcher’s dream, he most likely started packing his bags. Yet after two years still, he must have given up. God knew the timing, Joseph did not. Yet at the right time (as Peter said) God brought him higher than he could have ever imagined. And in such a way that when he stood before Pharaoh all arrogance had been burned out of him, and he said “Not I, but God.” (Gen. 41:16)

Ben and I have experienced many times in the last year and a half of God supernaturally providing for us. Each time is bigger than the time before. Recently we had several thousand dollars laid in our hands at the last moment that we needed to pay our bills. And from an unexpected source, there was no way we had anything to do with it. Had we not been walking in this process we might assume it was Ben’s talents that has brought us, and will take us, where we are going. But now when we stand in high places, it will be clear that the only thing to be said is “But God.”

What hurt, what rejection, what struggle, are you going through and you do not understand how a loving God could allow it? (If you think about it the next time you are allowing your child to be “hurt” or endure punishment, it will be revelation to you!) What are you going through today, that tomorrow when it is all over you will be able to say “But God”?

(Please come back tomorrow, I have more to say on this subject. )