Saline Courier Column #6
We’ve been studying The Story in class on Sunday morning. It’s the Bible in chronological order and it reads like a book. For someone like me who really wants to read and study the Bible but has a hard time getting motivated to do so, it’s been a wonderful way to get started.
This week’s session was the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. We discussed how Moses felt completely unqualified for the job of standing up to Pharaoh and demanding he set the slaves free, when he really was more qualified than anyone else. He’d had the experience of growing up in Egypt as royalty so he knew how things worked and he knew the culture. Yet, Moses still asked God to choose someone else. Moses was a poor public speaker and would possibly be killed if he set foot back in Egypt, but God saw those weaknesses as a tool to use for His glory. Then our teacher asked the class if any of us had a “Pharaoh” in our lives. Something that we felt terribly unqualified to handle but that God put in our lives to show His glory. That struck a chord with me and though I didn’t share my thoughts then, I’m sharing now.
Everyone has at least one of those “Pharaohs” in their life. Mine have been health issues, ranging from allergies and sinus problems to cancer and infertility. I got good news at my endocrinologist appointment on Friday…no new tumors and labs were exactly where they should be. That’s such a blessed way to begin the New Year and I’m incredibly grateful to God for giving me the strength to get through that trial. Now, I’m trying to stay patient and not stress over the infertility issue. It’s difficult not to stress over something such as infertility, even when you know stress causes more problems. For as long as I can remember, all I’ve ever really wanted in life was to be a mother. I understand that the struggles my body has been through over the last two years were significant and that it takes a while for the body to heal completely. Though it hurts and I don’t understand why God has brought me to this trial, I know that He will bring me though it. I know His glory will be seen through my weaknesses.
I had a conversation with God on Saturday. The house was quiet, my husband was at work and the “kids” were calm and relaxed. I was browsing Pinterest and finding some adorable baby things that I want to make or buy someday and my emotions overwhelmed me. I don’t think I said more than 10 words to God but I poured my heart out in tears. I don’t believe you always have to speak in prayer. I believe that God knows your heart and being in prayerful silence is conversation enough for Him.
The following two passages of scripture have been a great source of comfort for me recently. I want to share them with you in hopes that they give you comfort, hope and faith that God will never give you more than you can handle, and that he will carry you through. James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (NIV) Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
I believe whatever trial you are facing in your life will only make you stronger. I hope that it makes you stronger in your faith. And whatever you’re going through, know that you’re not alone. Until next week, be happy!
Amen. Good teaching!