The Bombs are Falling!
I read an interesting article this week that referred to the effects that the bombings had on the English in WWII. The Germans thought that if they bombed the English in their homeland that it would dishearten them. They thought it would weaken the English.
Interestingly enough it had the opposite effect. It emboldened the English. The people begin to think, if I could survive a bomb I can survive anything.
God Strengthens Us Through Trials
I think that’s a great picture of how God uses trials in our lives. We don’t like the curves in our lives. Maybe we’d like a little more routine, but the Lord uses the valleys to strengthen us.
That’s what Dawn and I are finding as we traverse this long and winding road.
I’m not saying that we don’t get down. What I am speaking to is how we grow, and we are strengthened even when it seems like there are explosions going off all around us.
God is Our Refuge
Maybe that’s what the Psalmist is feeling when he wrote Psalm 46.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah”
Psalm 46:1-3 ESV
Even though everything around us is falling apart, we do not fear. We are not afraid, because God is there. The Lord holds everything together. When things seem chaotic they aren’t. God brings order out of chaos. He has a purpose in it all.
Our family has been walking through this trial with our daughter for two months now. It’s been a journey filled with low points and high points.
The only constant is that God is there, and he is carrying us through it. He is our rock and refuge.
Hannah reminded us the other day that she wants to love God and enjoy him forever. Which is the answer to the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. What is the chief end of man?
As we seek to love God and enjoy him forever there are the good and bad moments. There are the high points and the low points.
Coming Forth as Gold
Job is a constant reminder of the Lord’s work in suffering. There are many nuggets to be found in Job. Here is one of them:
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”
Job 23:10 ESV
The Lord is refining us and making us into a pure gold.
I’ve been encouraged as our friends have come to me and said that the things I’ve written on this blog have encouraged them. When I write I feel like it’s cathartic for me. It also gives me joy to know that the Lord is using it to minister to others. I do pray that it will strengthen you in your journey.
Your love and your prayers do lift us up.
I’m amazed that even in this turbulent time, that the Lord is doing so much. The church is growing. The kingdom is advancing. This Sunday we will be celebrating the inaugural service for Lo Mejor del Trigo’s 24th church!
God is so good. We feel privileged to serve him, and see such awesome advance!
In His Grip, Dave
DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org
10 Comments
By gmgoetz
Thank you Dave for your posts, and your honesty of what your family is going through. Continuing to pray for Hannah, that our Lord Jesus will speak healing and strength into her entire being.
Praying for the ministry the Spirit of Jesus has led you into as well, and for a Hedge of protection to be placed around you, Wisdom of God within you, Power of God flowing through you, and many to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Gid’s Blessings.
By diasolifeontheborder
That’s a wonderfully encouraging prayer – thanks!
By gmgoetz
God’s Blessings. Praise Jesus. Thank you.
By STRAIGHT TO THE TOP!
Blessings on you and your family! I was particularly impressed with the drawing depicting ‘Our Plan’ verses ‘God’s Plan’. Never really thought of it that way, but was continually aware of the daily trials as we continue in doing God’s work.
Wish I could be there for Sundays services!
Love and hugs to ALL!
Larry
By diasolifeontheborder
Thanks your prayers & your words – maybe you can visit someday
By Bob and Linda Morgan
What a wonderful message!! We do continue to pray for you dear folks and your Hannah.
By diasolifeontheborder
thanks so much – we continue to need prayer and encouragement!
By Pieter Stok
I appreciate the frankness with which you write. My prayer is that God will continue to strengthen and encourage you. May your family be blessed though these trials as well. Hannah was right to reference the WSC. Our God is a God of relationship.
By diasolifeontheborder
Thank you for your encouraging words. Your prayers are huge – thanks so much!
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