Why The Pain?
When disappointments or troubling circumstances come your way, how do you handle them? Do you tend to be more emotional or quiet? Do you take action or remain reserved? These are key questions in study five of Sheila Walsh’s book, “Beautiful things Happen When A Woman Trusts God.” A special thanks to Kat who is leading this study at Heart to Heart this week.
I remember how unhealthy the early years of my marriage were when I kept all my emotions bottled up inside of me. I became physically sick with migraines because I did not want to address all the anger I felt, or any of my emotions for that matter. You can only do that for so long, and then you explode. My husband called it the “pressure cooker effect.”
This study speaks of the necessity in our relationship with God of the importance of crying out to Him instead of just crying! Sheila reminds us of Peter getting out of the boat in Matthew 14: 22-23 and how bold he was to take a step on the water to Jesus but then lost his confidence and began to sink until Jesus extended His hand to him. My current trial requires boldness and confidence; I'm trusting the Lord to rescue a loved one of mine from a very evil influence. I’ve been talking to the Lord daily about my pain and waiting expectantly for His reassurance. I was overjoyed today when I received a word from Him that has been very personal to me in the past:
Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isa. 41:10.
I remember how unhealthy the early years of my marriage were when I kept all my emotions bottled up inside of me. I became physically sick with migraines because I did not want to address all the anger I felt, or any of my emotions for that matter. You can only do that for so long, and then you explode. My husband called it the “pressure cooker effect.”
This study speaks of the necessity in our relationship with God of the importance of crying out to Him instead of just crying! Sheila reminds us of Peter getting out of the boat in Matthew 14: 22-23 and how bold he was to take a step on the water to Jesus but then lost his confidence and began to sink until Jesus extended His hand to him. My current trial requires boldness and confidence; I'm trusting the Lord to rescue a loved one of mine from a very evil influence. I’ve been talking to the Lord daily about my pain and waiting expectantly for His reassurance. I was overjoyed today when I received a word from Him that has been very personal to me in the past:
Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isa. 41:10.
I believe God. He says He will strengthen me when I doubt and when I’m battle weary and I believe Him. What I am learning in a deeper way these days is that God’s Word trumps every emotion of fear, insecurity and doubt. I can’t rationalize but must live by what God shows me in the Bible! Living by faith requires action. No sniveling! It’s hard sometimes. I waiver, but I always come back to the Words Jesus gave me for the day.
In John 11:39, Martha expresses some doubts about Jesus’ ability to raise her brother. Martha had more confidence in her knowledge than in her savior. Sheila asks “What does your attitude toward the impossible say about your faith in Jesus Christ?” For me, it’s one thing to do a Bible study like this for discipline sake of studying the Word, but when I’m in the midst of trusting God for something miraculous as my present trial requires, it’s a whole different experience. I admit to days of crying out and asking Him, “Are You really here? Do You really see the abuse?” as well as some days of just crying! Waiting for God to intervene is character building. I fully understand that the pain in life is necessary. And that’s a good place to end my thoughts today on this study…Why The Pain?
In John 11:39, Martha expresses some doubts about Jesus’ ability to raise her brother. Martha had more confidence in her knowledge than in her savior. Sheila asks “What does your attitude toward the impossible say about your faith in Jesus Christ?” For me, it’s one thing to do a Bible study like this for discipline sake of studying the Word, but when I’m in the midst of trusting God for something miraculous as my present trial requires, it’s a whole different experience. I admit to days of crying out and asking Him, “Are You really here? Do You really see the abuse?” as well as some days of just crying! Waiting for God to intervene is character building. I fully understand that the pain in life is necessary. And that’s a good place to end my thoughts today on this study…Why The Pain?
Powerful post sweet friend, love you.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeletePraising God for the power of what you discovered through this study. God is faithful indeed.
Please stop by my blog today to meet a blogger in need of help!
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Let's be clear...I don't want to go back through any of those painful times in my life...However, I am the person I am today b/c of all the molding and shaping that went on in my heart during those times. GOD used each of them in a profound way.
ReplyDeleteHugs, andrea
It's amazing. It's one thing to study about something but then when the trials and pain hit you square in the face, the real test comes. How do you respond?
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I've not responded so well years ago. I've tried to control things and it doesn't work. I'm learning my necessity to leave things in the Lord's hands and to trust Him.
God is faithful!
Love you,
Debbie
I am right in the midst of my journey and dealing with my pain. So, once I break through to the other side, I will have more of a story to share. Thanks for sharing this post dear.
ReplyDeleteMary~
ReplyDeleteI just can't help but see the strength of the Lord in You these past few weeks and a Peace in your words regardless of what the battle has been. You inspire me in ways I could never even express! Believing with you my friend and praising God for the breakthrough that is coming!!
love you
Sweet Sister, I am thankful for the sharing and transparency of your heart. I'm praying for your loved one...
ReplyDeleteI love you. GOD is with your family and His Hand is upon each one...
Pain used to send me scurrying - literally and emotionally. I'd have sooner tangled with a crocodile than face tough stuff.
ReplyDeleteWith age my arsenal for dealing with pain has grown immensely. I no longer need to run, but sometimes I find it difficult taking next steps.
Alas & hallelujah! We are more than conquerors. He makes us so.
Blessings,
Kathleen
Thank you, Mary, for such a transparent post today. None of us like the painful...not so much because we don't believe God for the outcome, but more because we just don't like the pain that it takes to get to the outcome. I can SO relate to that because of a family situation that we are dealing with. Thank you for the reminder that this flesh we wear can be and IS conquered by our Father as we learn to trust in Him.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post today. It is has touched my heart . . . I hear what you are saying and I understand. During those times of trials, the Lord often brings to mind the song, "God will make a way . . . when there seems to be no way." Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you my friend.
Bren
The trials are necessary...and so is the trust. Wait and see what the Lord will produce from this!
ReplyDeleteWe live in a fallen world.. so pain is inevitable. But for the Overcomers, we'll be able to go Home someday, and pain is not in it. Don't we all would look forward to such a day with our Lord?
ReplyDelete~Silver