You Deliver Me

Ever have one of those days when nothing seems to go right? Or weeks? Month? Year?

I'm not saying things have been quite that bad, but they haven't been happy-go-lucky either. The challenges seem to keep piling up around me. The bad news and/or events come in waves; deaths, break-ups, job loss, depression, pride, anger and selfishness - life seems gloomy and then for a moment the sun shines brightly and you remember Who is in control.

I've always seen my faith as simple, I know that God is in control, no need to question that. In highschool I had friends questioning whether God really existed or if He was real, but I don't remember having those same questions. I had watched my parents, sisters and other influential adults respond to despairing situations with such faith and peace that I had no doubt. I'm rarely even tempted to ask the question of "why?" when bad things happen. Seriously its more of a "well why not?" attitude that I take. We were never promised an easy life, in fact, quite the opposite. Hard times help develop not only our character (pruning and helping produce fruit - John 15) but also our faith and trust in Him.

But "Why" isn't the question I find myself asking God. I know that God will use these trials to bring Himself glory. I know that God will answer the cries of my heart. I know that God can restore the broken relationships. I know that God will make all things work together for good, for those who love Him. I know that God will heal the hurting. ---- but HOW?!  -- My ultimate question seems to be "Lord, how can this possibly bring You glory? How will You answer this prayer and How will it look?"

While contemplating the lives and hurt around me, I heard a couple share their story of a routine 18week ultrasound of their baby. The ultrasound brought news no parent ever dreams they will hear, yet dread hearing it all the same: an abnormality on her lungs that would make her "incompatible with life". They went through the pregnancy, knowing that, medically speaking, their little girl would never leave the hospital, but praying and believing for a miracle. They prepared for her memorial service, even as they prayed for her healing. The doctors told them, at best, she'd live for a minute and be gasping for air her whole life. Still, they prayed for a miracle. Their precious Audrey arrived in April and lived for about two and a half hours while her family gathered around her singing hymns, praising God for this life, took pictures and lovingly held her.
The most powerful statement I heard this week came from the mother of this precious baby. After sharing the story of their loss, she simply said "He did not heal her the way we wanted Him to, [but] its important for me to say we still believe he could have. That was His choice. That was what brought Him the most glory"

So while I don't understand why, and I still don't have the answers for how, I know that God is at work and He will do what is best, because that is what will bring Him the most glory.

When I feel like, I can't go on
You deliver me, You deliver me

Sticky Note #10

"I'm sad, but I know that God is still in control"

A couple weeks ago I got a text from my housemate that her 18 year old cousin had driven off the road and died. This young man was the epitome of a "life taken too soon" if you were to  look at it from the world's standards. Just graduated from high school, he was headed to a great college on a sports scholarship. Having received several prestigious awards for his sport of choice, this was the type of young man that you expected to see in the major news headlines in the near future. The next greatest in his sport.

But in a second, that career came to an end. After a long competition in another part of the state, he was driving home, his mother driving somewhere behind him. He fell asleep at the road, drove off the road and into the ditch. His mother drove up to the scene and discovered her only son was gone.

Last night was the first time I got to visit with my housemate since this happened. She shared with me the reaction of the family to this loss and the thing that struck me the most was the above statement. After receiving the news, she went to her Aunt and Uncle's house and was greeted at the door by her cousin (sister and only sibling of the young man). Her cousin's response to this horrible, tragic and life-altering news was "I'm sad, but I know that God is in control"

Is that my first reaction when tragedy strikes? Am I really able to go immediately to the comfort of God's sovereignty in my life? Can I honestly say "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21)?

Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.


May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.


Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.


Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go - 
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.

( "Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer", Music by Keith Getty; Words by Margaret Becker, Copyright © 2002 Thankyou Music )

Sticky Note #4

I'm at a loss for words.

I'm slightly stunned.

But mostly, I'm excited to see what God went before us and accomplished today.

"For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me." ~Psalm 18:39

Sticky Note #3

• A friend confronting addictions
• A friend facing serious, life-altering health issues
• A friend in an unhealthy, complicated relationship
• A friend with doubts about life and God

Seems like everywhere I turn, every phone call I answer, every text I read, I'm faced with some new problem that seems huge and out of control. It is discouraging, disheartening and down-right depressing.

But as I began to let the things of life overwhelm me, God brought a passage to mind that I memorized as a child, I think it was back in 2nd grade:

God is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in paths of righteousness, for His names sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death;

I will fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me, in the presence of mine enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

So I'm resting tonight, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for me and He will use these problems, no matter how bleak they may seem, to not only teach me and my friends a lesson, but to bring Himself glory. And after all, isn't that my purpose here in life?

"Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus

Far surpassing all the rest

It's an ocean full of blessing

In the midst of every test

Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus

Mighty Savior, precious Friend

You will bring us home to glory

Where Your love will never end"