“I know I needed to pass through the storm and get to where I could be reminded that God is faithful. When ‘God loves me’ feels like a stabbing pain rather than a reassuring fact, I’ve learned I must go where I can be reminded that today isn’t the whole story. Today is part of the story, but it is not the whole story.”- Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst continues Chapter 10 of Forgiving What You Can’t Forget as she observes that the reality you give more attention to influences your perspective that day. Consequently, Lysa explains, it’s your choice. You can look at all you perceive God isn’t doing and conclude He’s not faithful. Or you choose to conclude God is faithful. That He’s allowing you to see a part of the much bigger plan He’s weaving.
However, sometimes we find ourselves in a full-blown ugly cry. Instead of a faith-filled war cry. Therefore, Lysa explains and exhorts:
“All these situations seem like seasons when we are waiting to see God move. As if God just has us in some sort of queue, on hold until He can get to us. . . . With God, it just seems mysterious at first and then cruel when long stretches of time pass with things maybe getting worse instead of better. But God isn’t oblivious to what’s happening. . . . I know His silence is not proof of His absence. And my broken perception is not evidence of His broken promise.”
In conclusion, Lysa cautions against trying to draw conclusions from the well of our deep pain. Because then we only sip from the sorrow of today. Thus, we need to draw strength from the deep well of God’s promises for tomorrow and His past faithfulness. For His living water provides goodness that seeps life into our dry and weary souls.
Hence, draw at least one line from a past situation where you can look back and see evidence of God’s faithfulness. Dare to peek over the edge into tomorrow’s hope for God’s provision. To see the resurrection ahead of you.
Today’s question: Does ‘God loves me’ feel more like a stabbing pain or a reassuring fact? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Hope is the melody of the future”
