I think that most of us are challenged in our faith when we face pain. We have two options really, turn away from and blame God or run to Him to help us walk through it. I find it a challenge to choose wisely sometimes. I’m just being honest.
This week I found out that a friend who struggles with infertility and had miraculously gotten pregnant had lost her baby. I cried for her and have many times this week. I cry for her but I also cry because it brings up the pain and scar in my own life of going through similar things. It brings up my doubt of God’s goodness. Why would He allow this to happen? Why would He hold out such a great gift of a child for my friends? I go from anger to great sadness to trust that He knows our pain and loves us deeply and back around again.
I’m in a Bible study with some women from my church and we’re reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It’s challenging on so many levels but today I read this,
The best things in life are gifts from the One who steadfastly loves us. But an important question to ask ourselves is this: Are we in love with God or just His stuff? ……….Do you love this God who is everything, or do you just love everything He gives you?
Do I love Him even through infertility? Do I love Him when my friends suffer? Do I love Him when_____. Fill in the blank really.
Oh man, I want to say that I love Him no matter what but I just don’t do it well. I struggle to keep it all in perspective. I forget that He sees it all, He knows our pain and we are here to bring Him glory no matter what.
Jody,
I’m reading the same book and read that same passage just yesterday! God is convicting me of my pride and wrong beliefs about who He is. Not fun, but, oh, so good!
I still owe you a phone call…I haven’t forgotten!
Laura
Tough one, and I’m sorry to hear of your friend. I’m also striving to love God for who He is – and be passionate about it! – but I struggle with fear of what else He can do or let occur. It’s a difficult balance.