In our internet environment, while browsing cute blogs, I think we sometimes forget that the people writing these blogs are real people, with real problems and real stress. We get so caught up in the cute-ness of the blog that we easily forget that there is a real life being lived in the background.
Allow me to be transparent. Honest. And yes, at this point in my life…broken.
My family and I have been through a lot in the past year. We are still dealing with a lot of stress, some of which I hope to see come to an end sooner rather than later. And when it’s over, I promise I will share that story. For now, though, I simply ask for your prayers.
My faith and my family are truly the only things keeping me going on a day-to-day basis. You always hear people say that God will only give you as much as you can handle. And every time I hear that, my immediate response is, “Well, I wish God didn’t think so highly of me.”
Over the past year, I can honestly say that I have all but given up on more than one occassion. I have literally collapsed to the floor, fallen on my knees in tearful and heartfelt prayer. Do I feel better afterwards? Usually not. But I know my prayers are heard. And I know, without a doubt, that all of this is a means to an end – a plan that God has for me and my family.
I may not see the big picture now, and I may never see it, but I know it’s in the works. His plans are greater than my own, and He is so much stronger than I can ever hope to be.
I read my devotion today and it was so perfect, so allow me to share a little piece of it with you:
“I always find hope in the fact that God promised that He would always be with us. When we come to Christ, He fills us with His Spirit, and that Spirit of the Lord will be sufficient in the day of the crisis. He does not give us strength for tomorrow’s crisis today. He gives us strength for the crisis when the crisis time comes.” – Right From The Heart
I never really thought about it that way, so I welcome this new perspective. God will get me through this – day by day. I don’t need to worry about tomorrow or even 6 months from now. I just need to focus on today, and rely on the strength that God gave me to get me through it.
For His grace is sufficient.
And in case you could use a little blessed reassurance – these verses have helped me so many times. I’ve saved them in my memory, and repeat them whenever I feel myself getting overwhelmed.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may life you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standind firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever.
Amen.”
1 Peter 5: 6-11
One last prayer request please. I have a dear friend who has fallen from about 30 feet up while working Monday afternoon, and he’s very badly injured. He’s only 22 years old, and his vitals are strong. However, he suffered a broken pelvis, a broken L1 vertebrae, several broken ribs, and a ruptured spleen. He has undergone 2 surgeries already – one to stop the internal bleeding from the spleen, and the second to fuse 6 vertebrae together. Tomorrow he undergoes surgery #3 to pin his pelvis together with a plate and several screws. Please pray for him and his family – they are an extension of my family and I love them dearly.
This is my friend and his “baby” 🙂
God bless, and forgive me if this is too negative for some of you. This is me. In all my honesty and transparency.
I hope to see you all tomorrow – with sunshine & lollipops. 🙂
