Some recent thoughts
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
God works in all things. He works to fulfill his purpose, making us "happy" isn't his purpose. I don't always understand why he allows things to happen, but I have to trust that he knows best. He sees the bigger picture and Knows the end of the story.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I have always been a worrier. But the past couple years I have been making progress in understanding I cannot control everything. Just because I think up every single possible awful scenario ahead of time doesn't mean it will help me be prepared for it. Worrying made me a mess. I am learning to be thankful, give it to God and live one day at a time.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I know that he will carry me along whatever I must walk through. When I am afraid I just cast all my cares to Jesus. Why burden myself when he says he will take it! My friend's sister sang this song at her mothers funeral five years ago. She died of cancer. I love listening to it.
James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I must hold on to the hope that God is not finished with me yet. All these trials will be worth it all someday. Joy must be a part of this journey!
Rebekah on Oct 24, 2011 3:45pm
Jaq,
I am thinking of you and praying for you dear friend. Tears welled up in my eyes just now hearing my sisters song. Tomorrow is 6 years from when my mom passed and I needed to hear again to cast all my cares on God. He sustains us with joy AND a LONG life!
In editing a book going to its 2nd print shortly, I've found something I wanted to share with you. So beautiful. The woman (Amy) in the book was healed of stage 4 breast cancer. When someone openly mentioned at the start that she "may not make it", her mom responded quickly by saying, "Amy, do you have grace to die?" "No." To Amy's husband, "Do you have grace to lose your wife?" "No." She then turned to the person and said, "God promises us to only give us what we can handle and none of us can handle Amy dieing so God obviously wants her alive!" God has a wonderful future for you Jaq, full of long life.
I love you dearly.
Rebekah