Even So ... Praise Him

In these sorrowful days it often feels as if I, us, we Believers are being oppressed. The evil one slinks through our court system and maligns our government even at the highest levels. Right is now wrong and wrong is now right. It's painful to witness the downslide of our values and of our country. 

And when I thought things couldn't be darker, people who have been suffering with Covid-19 watched as their government leaders and fellow citizens politicized the disease, even its treatments. And I had to ask, why? I have no clear answer. 

I've been distressed over the state of our world because of Covid-19 ... and now demonstrations and rioting is in our streets. The demonstrations began in unity and with good intent. A terrible wrong had been done to one of our citizens. But as is often the case there are those who will take advantage of what they see as an opportunity. 

I have been sick at heart as I watch the destruction of our cities. And the foolish self-centered volleys of flaming darts that our leaders cast back and forth. The malevolence only deepens. 

Aren't we better than this?

We can be.

In my daily reading I landed on Psalm 43, which feels perfect for this time. I'd like to share these comforting words with you. I've replaced all the personal references to a collective term. It says this,

O God, take up our cause! Defend us against these ungodly people. Rescue us from these unjust liars. For you are God, our only safe haven. Why have you tossed us aside? Why must we wander around in darkness oppressed by our enemies? Send out your light and your truth; let them guide us. Let them lead us to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There we will go to the altar of God, to God - the source of all our joy. We will praise you with our harp O God, our God! Why are we discouraged? Why so sad? We will put our hope in God! We will praise him again - our Savior and our God!

We are not alone in this evil world. We have the almighty God with us. Even in the midst of heartache and sorrow we can be comforted and know joy. God's Word tells us we will have tribulation, that there will be dark days, but we are not to be disheartened. We can walk in the light of the Lord.

Keep praying. Keep rejoicing. The Great I Am sees it all. And He loves you.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Light in the Darkness

Yesterday was Sunday and as on most Sundays I was in church. Much of the sermon was about God's healing hand. He heals hearts, minds and bodies. At the end of the service those who needed prayer were encouraged to go forward so they could be prayed for.

Oh, how I longed for healing.

There was a line so I remained in my seat. With tears in his eyes, my dear son-in-law held out his hand to me. Then he led me up front.

Oh, how I longed for healing.

I'm weary of the prison of my wounded body. While I waited I prayed. A nice gentleman anointed me with oil, laid his hands on me and together we sought God's healing. I knew He could heal me. But yesterday was not the day.

I was disappointed but not disillusioned. God is good all the time. He works in me and through me, even though I am physically weak. But . . .

Oh, how I longed for healing.

I hoped yesterday would be the day. And I admit I'm a little sad today. But God is good all the time and when I turned to my devotions this morning He had a treasure waiting for me. I found this in reference to an imprisoned apostle Paul. What precious messages of light came from the dark shadows of his captivity.

Thank you, Lord, for these precious words. I am reminded once more that there is beauty in suffering. With your hand upon me you have carried me through the years. You continue to work in me and through me. I trust you.

I will continue to seek God's healing touch, but above all I long for His will.

If you are suffering, He knows. Trust Him to bring light into the dark places.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Topic of the Day -- Suffering

I don't know anyone who likes to suffer. I certainly don't. But because God created us and because from time to time pain and suffering is part of our life I figure there's a purpose for it. In fact, I can come up with a long list of reasons fairly quickly.

However, several days ago while sitting with my mother after she'd had open heart surgery I couldn't think of one. All I wanted was to release my mom from the agony. Instead, I sat beside her holding her hand feeling helpless. That night I cried myself to sleep.

But God's Word says, "Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character and character, hope."

Mom is better. I thank God.

As to pain, well it will continue to be part of life. Physical pain protects us from injury. Our lives would be short if we never felt the weaknesses in our body. Suffering is a teacher. Travails of the soul draw us closer to God where He waits to catch us and pull us into his embrace.

Though I sometimes rail against it, I cannot deny that pain is good. I am grateful for it.

Praise God in all things.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Be Ready To Suffer

Suffer? I don't like that word or the experience. However, it is part of the real world we live in. Some of us rale at it or we ask why, again and again. Sometimes I gripe--loudly. What we need to do is see our sufferings as opportunities.

1 Peter 4:1 says, "So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too."

How do you feel when you read that? My first reaction is--Nope. Not me. Suffering is meant for someone else. Or I figure I can learn what I need without experiencing the really hard stuff. Thinking like that means I need an attitude adjustment. Scripture says, we're to have the same attitude as Christ. How do we do that? He suffered in ways we can't even understand. The question we should ask is, are we willing? Will we do what God asks --at any cost?

We need to look that question straight in the eye and decide--Christ's way or mine?

God can do amazing work through broken hearts and broken bodies. Take His hand, listen to His voice and follow Him. He will not let you down.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God ---Human Hands

I've been out of touch for a couple of weeks. And I've missed you. It's wonderful to feel well enough to write again. Praising God!

A few weeks ago I injured my chronically ill back and was laid up here at home. Then Sunday, the fifteenth of August while my husband was helping me sit, an explosion of pain went off in my low back. I've lived with back pain and muscle spasms for many years, but have never experienced anything like this.

I have the dearest husband. Greg held me tightly. We cried together and knew we needed outside help.

I was soon on my way to the hospital, via ambulance--not something I wanted but we had no choice. I'm a strong believer in God's sovereignty. There is a reason for this journey. I understand some of those reasons and some are still to be revealed.

I spent six days in the hospital and while there experienced God's love through friends, family, hospital personnel, nurses and CNA's. Their care, compassion and hands-on help were a balm from the Lord. I wished they could understand how much their care meant to me, but words weren't adequate to express my gratitude. If only they could feel my heart.

Much of the time my mind was in a drugged fog so names are unclear, but the faces of God's angels remain with me. Some offered gentle words, medication and confidence. Others massaged sore muscles and some cared for my very personal needs with tender respect. One young woman gave me a soothing bed bath in the middle of the night. All offered love and kindness through gentle words or the tender touch of their hands. I had an amazing conversation with a woman who worked with the hospital chaplain. And there were two physical therapists with very different approaches who helped me face my fears and do what I must.

I had apportunities to share my faith and even gave away a few copies of my new book. So much of what happened in the hospital felt like a gift.

I'm home now and my older daughter, Kristi, is taking care of my physical needs. She's wearing a smile and is overflowing with empathy and encouragement. My younger daughter visits and provides the gift of her smile and makes me laugh. My grandchildren are full of sweetness and hugs.

I don't like pain and I'd never choose to be in this situation, but I believe that what happened is part of God's plan for me. I have much to learn. Through the hands of his servants I feel His love in the midst of this trial. I'm grateful, beyond words, for those who have reached out in love and have made this time more positive than negative. Thank you.

Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and when given it is never wasted. Look about and love those around you. Blessings will flow.

I love you all.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie