A week ago, I went to a funeral for a friend who felt both physical and emotional pain and thought it best to end her pain. In doing so, she left behind two children and a husband who will always love but never understand.
The same week, I learned that the parent of another friend fell to the same fate. This parent became the fourth in the family line to feel that their way was the best way to end troubles.
Another friend learned of deception by her spouse and is currently fighting for marriage and the life she has known. At the moment, she is not winning either.
A grandfather in my town who cared for his disabled grandson was hit by a car and killed. This happened as he was getting his grandson from the handicapped school bus. Now, who will care for the boy? How can he understand?
Personally, I volley between darkness and light, but learning about the pain of others, who am I to complain?
So, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior we can find light in our own personal darkness. We know that in the birth of Jesus, it is God fulfilling His promise of eternal life. He has truly given the gift of Life with Jesus. It saddens me to see so many suffer.
"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up." Psalm 71:20
Our troubles and pain are no surprise for Him, in fact, He knows it will happen.
"... In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world!" John 16:33
He knew that my friend would have struggles. He knew that a spouse would stray. He knew that I would have dark days. And He knew that a child would be left wondering. These are not a surprise. They are opportunities for His glory. His glory does not always shine in our darkest moments because we do not allow it, but He does give us the chance if we listen.
"He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light." Job 12:22
If you are one who doesn't struggle with anything, then this post wasn't entirely intended for you. If you're life is wonderful and this is truly a wonderful time of the year for you, then maybe you can pause to look at those around you. Maybe they are not having a wonderful time and maybe you can be used to lighten their way.
If you do struggle, please know that you are not alone. God loves you and is reaching to you. You just have to reach back and grab hold of His promise.
" The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you." 2 Corinthians 13:14
4 comments:
This post speaks volumes to me at this time of the year, as holidays are usually worse for me, this year particularly. Thank you for sharing your gift of prose with others.
Having been inundated with bad news lately of others' lives, I bet they would find so much comfort with this.
Wow, Brandi. As much as I've gone through the past few months, I cannot imagine the pain.
But one thing I've learned...Jesus is there. For those who are His, He is there. There have been days where all I could do was sob and climb into His lap and ask Him to pray for me.
How very, very thankful I am that He is there.
Beautiful, friend.
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