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Sometimes suffering causes scars. Scars that are visible to the human eye and that can be traced with the fingers of our hands as we remember exactly when they were formed. Some scars are only stored within the recesses of our heart fading with time, or with the healing touch of the Master’s hand. At some point in our lives we have all gone through forms of suffering which causes these permanent reminders. Chances are we will probably go through more. What makes the difference is how we deal with them. While in the midst of suffering we can sit and complain and feel sorry for ourselves, or we can turn away from self, away from the hurt, and fix our eyes on God. I choose the last one.
Which one do you choose? It makes a big difference. Not only for us as individuals, but for everyone around us, especially our children. If our children see us focusing on the searing hurt of the problem, while letting anxiety overwhelm us, they will learn to do the same. We need to remind them of the encouragement found in the following verses in Isaiah 43:1b-3a.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed E)’> you are mine. G)’>I will be with you; I)’>You will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. L)’> of Israel, your Savior;”
Whether your facing financial difficulties, sickness, marriage problems, loneliness or depression, let them see you move forward. Let your children know that no matter how rough the waters get, or how hot the fires may feel, God will not let us be overpowered by them. Remind them that HE IS ALWAYS WITH THEM! Explain to them that it’s not up to us to ask why, but instead we need to trust Him with the outcome of His plan. Show them through your actions and words that even though the sufferings may not be understood at the moment, God is in control. One of my favorite verses that I was just reminded of today, gives us the answer to how God wants us to look at suffering.
“And we know that for those who
love God all things work together B)’> those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
When the storms rage, your children need to see the truth in your life that God is in charge and there is no need for worry, because He is working everything out for His good according to His plan.
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Many Blessings~
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This is something I have thought deeply about for some time now, and so glad you wrote about it today. You did a superb job and I thank you for it! I heard someone recently say that those with scars are those who have the most effective ministries. I don’t know how true that is, but I do know that the Lord uses our pain, our hurts, and our scars for His glory. Amy Carmichel wrote a poem so many years ago called, “Hast Thou no Scar?” I go back to that many times when I want to hide my past and my pain. And then I think of Joseph when he forgave and embraced his brothers and said, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” That just about wraps it all up in a nutshell, doesn’t it? Sometimes it takes time to find what that “good” is, but He always has a plan and purpose. Thank you so much for this today. What a great way to start my day!
Shari,
This is my first visit to your blog but I have bookmarked it and plan to visit again. Thank you so much for sharing what the Lord laid on your heart in regards to suffering. I suffer from chronic back problems and although I am doing better now (versus the 9 months of daily pain last year) I still am sore everyday and have lapses where I am pretty much immoble for a few weeks. This morning I woke up in a lot of pain and very fatigued. Back problems can be so random as to what sets it off but I was reminded this morning too that God is faithful in all of it. The good and the bad. Your post here was confirmation and encouragment to me to speak of His faithfulness to my children. Last year, my older teens had to pretty much take over the house and even help me in and out of bed and chairs for months so it is important that I do speak life and truth aloud and live it through my actions and attitude too.
God bless you,
Theresa
Hi Shari,
I really appreciated your post. My sons are 9 & 7, and I think I often simply try to protect them from suffering, and our family has been blessed with health and provision, so we have not suffered the way other families have. Still, when we do have a trial, we have tried to show our boys faith. We just talked about Romans 8:28 yesterday (twice), so I’m paying attention today. Thanks for this post. I’m visiting you from Raising Mighty Arrows!
He is ALWAYS there!! Beautiful post, Shari!
Hi Shari:
This is such an encouraging post. God has been with me through many fires and rivers – He’s never left my side.
Blessings,
Joan
oh we talk about this so much in out house…we have to give Hm praise in good times AND bad times….and always thank Him for our faith…
I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
You have such a beautiful blog! Thank you for linking up with us. 🙂