Thursday, November 18, 2010

Don't Give In...Don't Give Up

It seems as though everyone that know is going through some sort of trial or attack. Whether it be physical, financial, emotional, people are hurting and feeling alone. Life-altering moments can either make you or break you. I have said many times this year that I don't know how you can get through hard times without faith. In the midst of many trying situations this year, I knew that the faith that I thought was strong in me was no where near the strength that I needed to make it through. I am not ashamed to say that I uttered the words, "why us" many times this year and wondered how we (my husband, parents) were going to make it through... then I remember this verse- 
I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. John 16:33 MSG 


My dad always says, "It will all be okay because WE WIN!" He's right, we do win because Jesus conquered the world. Sometimes though, I have struggled and wondered if we'd see the end of these trials. I have cried out to God, broken and shattered. It has been excruciating to see my mom struggle with the smallest tasks and even worse to witness her  frustration in what was so simple before, now takes every bit of effort in her. I have watched my dad weary and hurting...wanting to make everything okay for her. Oh the love between them... what a priceless lesson in true love. In my home, we have endured attack after attack since the clock switched from 2009 to 2010. We have had to choose to rise above our circumstances, turn the other cheek, and work at loving others when they are unlovable. 


In all of this, one thing that I have learned is that faith really is believing when you don't see. We have to believe that my mom will walk, talk, and function in completeness, even when the statistics tell us that too much time has gone by.  This week, almost 11 months since she suffered the stroke, we saw a breakthrough.  Even her doctors are surprised!
Dan and I have learned on our lives this year, that you MUST stand for what you believe and risk being called a radical. We have learned that God is our Provider and that He knows every need before we do. There have been days that seem so dark and hopeless, BUT GOD. God sees our struggle and He hears our cries. He knows when we are pressing through and asking for hope. Encouragement comes to us through God's Word and through the many vessels that allow themselves to be used by Him. I was encouraged this morning after reading the post from Stilettos & Grace and watching the video by Amy Grant.


Rick Renner says, “Faith is the spark that ignites the impossible and causes it to become possible. When a person’s faith is activated, it sets in motion supernatural power that enables that person to do what he normally would never be able to do!”


If you are struggling with faith and wondering if God really moves, if He really hears you?? Then take a look at these pictures and know that He really does answer our prayers. He still heals and restores and He will make all things right for those who love and trust Him.


February 2010


November 2010