I was driving through Federal Way today admiring dramatically fire-red leaves on the trees that line the streets between my office and my home. A song came on that for some reason causes me to cry and deeply miss my sister. (I added it to my playlist so you should be listening to it as you read this post).
I got to thinking as I wiped my stray tears that Heavenly Father causes some of His children to suffer with things like terminal illness, loss of a loved one, financial hardships and serious injuries so that they can stand as a witness to those more fortunate that He lives and that He cares.
If someone with terminal cancer stood before you and told you that they have no fear and that they will never give up and that they are happy and blessed because of their testimony in the Lord and His blessings, wouldn't that make you want to be better? Wouldn't that make you want to be more helpful, grateful, gracious, and good? Wouldn't you feel guilty for getting upset over the small things in life?
I'm no martyr and certainly not the best example on the planet. But I feel a deep sense of connection to those who are utilized by the Lord during our short time on earth as a testimony to others while silently enduring suffering and all manner of tribulation.
As someone who has lost a father and a sister, been abused by an ex-husband, endured several medical setbacks, experienced four extremely traumatic car accidents, and grew up in a household where verbal, physical and mental abuse was "normal" I feel justified in standing (or writing) before you with my testimony:
No matter what we go through, our Father in Heaven is aware of us. He loves us. He doesn't "cause" these trials to punish us. He allows us to walk through these things so that our faith will grow and so that we can help others with their faith. Until we realize this, we will probably continue to wonder "Why me?" and we will probably continue to experience inexplicable trials.
I feel confident in saying that I know the worst is behind me. I have certainly not endured more than everyone else--but I've had my share of ups and downs...with a lot of downs!! And I am stronger, healthier, happier and more abundantly blessed because I see the hand of the Lord in every interaction I have with life.
I don't write this to come across as someone with a "holier than thou" attitude. I just had an epiphany that is probably already common knowledge to everyone else. I can help others by not letting my trials bring me down. I can make a difference in others' lives by being a living example of endurance to the end. And I might have a few less traumas in my life now that I'm finally seeing what Heavenly Father has been trying to tell me.
I'll probably still have bad days--I'm sure of it. But maybe with a little light on the subject I can try harder to make these things count. If we let our trials come and go in vain, then we will no doubt have more and more. But if I use my sister's death to make me stronger and closer to the Lord, He may not see the need to teach me that lesson over and over again--maybe this time, just maybe, I'll actually get what He's trying to teach me.
I got to thinking as I wiped my stray tears that Heavenly Father causes some of His children to suffer with things like terminal illness, loss of a loved one, financial hardships and serious injuries so that they can stand as a witness to those more fortunate that He lives and that He cares.
If someone with terminal cancer stood before you and told you that they have no fear and that they will never give up and that they are happy and blessed because of their testimony in the Lord and His blessings, wouldn't that make you want to be better? Wouldn't that make you want to be more helpful, grateful, gracious, and good? Wouldn't you feel guilty for getting upset over the small things in life?
I'm no martyr and certainly not the best example on the planet. But I feel a deep sense of connection to those who are utilized by the Lord during our short time on earth as a testimony to others while silently enduring suffering and all manner of tribulation.
As someone who has lost a father and a sister, been abused by an ex-husband, endured several medical setbacks, experienced four extremely traumatic car accidents, and grew up in a household where verbal, physical and mental abuse was "normal" I feel justified in standing (or writing) before you with my testimony:
No matter what we go through, our Father in Heaven is aware of us. He loves us. He doesn't "cause" these trials to punish us. He allows us to walk through these things so that our faith will grow and so that we can help others with their faith. Until we realize this, we will probably continue to wonder "Why me?" and we will probably continue to experience inexplicable trials.
I feel confident in saying that I know the worst is behind me. I have certainly not endured more than everyone else--but I've had my share of ups and downs...with a lot of downs!! And I am stronger, healthier, happier and more abundantly blessed because I see the hand of the Lord in every interaction I have with life.
I don't write this to come across as someone with a "holier than thou" attitude. I just had an epiphany that is probably already common knowledge to everyone else. I can help others by not letting my trials bring me down. I can make a difference in others' lives by being a living example of endurance to the end. And I might have a few less traumas in my life now that I'm finally seeing what Heavenly Father has been trying to tell me.
I'll probably still have bad days--I'm sure of it. But maybe with a little light on the subject I can try harder to make these things count. If we let our trials come and go in vain, then we will no doubt have more and more. But if I use my sister's death to make me stronger and closer to the Lord, He may not see the need to teach me that lesson over and over again--maybe this time, just maybe, I'll actually get what He's trying to teach me.
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