Wednesday, June 3, 2009

He Always Gives You Himself

Just a short post today to share a thought I received in an e-mail this morning. I subscribe to the daily e-mails through Grief Share, mostly because back in October, I had a hard time even having the energy to open my Bible. I knew I needed to, but I was tired... and truthfully, I was somewhat afraid. I was afraid of that what I would read would be of little comfort, or that God would feel strangely absent in my time with Him. And while a few times may have been like that, most often, God was very present and His word was like a balm for my aching heart.

So, I started receiving these daily e-mails through Grief Share to keep me connected, so that even on days I didn't have the strength to seek out His word, His word would still arrive in my inbox.

Today I received e-mail 208... two-hundred eight. Has it really been that long?

This morning's e-mail was entitled, "If God is good, why...?"

If you've ever suffered a significant loss, you've most likely asked that question. God is good; His goodness doesn't change just because our circumstances feel anything but good. Often, though, it can be hard to reconcile the goodness of God with what He has allowed. This is something I have been wrestling with and really trying to work out and understand. So as I was reading this morning, I stumbled on a sentence that was a true moment of clarity for me:

While God does not always give answers to your questions, He always gives Himself.

I sat there and asked myself, "Stacy, is He enough? Is God, graciously giving of Himself, enough for you? Even if the questions are never answered... is His faithful and steadfast presence in your life enough?"

And it is... it has to be.

So while they "why" questions still linger, I know I can continue to hold fast to the fact that God always gives Himself... that through the heartache, the questions, and the roller coaster of emotions... He is steadfast.

18 comments:

Cynthia said...

There have been times that I have thought "why". Even though most times I never found out why, he has been enough.

I pray that his grace envelope you always!

Cynthia

Anonymous said...

What a great insight to those who have lost a loved one or ever had to ask the dreaded question "why".
Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Wow, Thank you I needed that today.
Nicole

Holly said...

Yes, He is.

Sonya said...

God is good....for sure.

Mr. and Mrs. B said...

AMEN!!!

I really needed to hear this today as well! Thank You for sharing Stacy :)

Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girl said...

I discovered your blog recently, and let me say how sorry I am for your loss.

I guess I just want to say thank you for your honesty. Sometimes- often- we don't know the why's, but we can trust in the One who does.

jennifer said...

i love that

Anonymous said...

God is enough when one allows Him to be enough. It is very difficult to surrender your desires: to have your loved ones back with you, to have 'changed' a formidable prognosis, to have assurance that the future will hold no pain; however we are all human and our desires are a manifestation of that fact. And, desire is accompanied by suffering when we don't get what we want. Your post expresses the concept of total trust in God and allowing Him to be the source of your comfort and peace. The tough part is the ability to surrender the desire to know the answers to 'why' and trust in God's infinite ability to carry you forward. It was a very thought provoking statement that you shared! Cindy

April said...

Beautiful post, one I think many of us could use as a daily reminder. Thank you for sharing your Grief Share with all of us.

Anonymous said...

I remember many years ago reading something that said when we finally meet Him, all our questions about "why?" will no longer matter. And like you I struggle with placing all my trust in Him and hoping that will be enough. I often say this little prayer: "Oh most sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in thee." And I'm trying to. Thank you for sharing Stacy xxxx

Lauren said...

Very well said! Love you.

Natalie said...

Thank you for this post...I really needed to hear this today..I've been following your blog and praying for you and your family for months now. Thanks for sharing.

Natalie

Anonymous said...

Stacy,
I have been following your blog for a while now, and I just wanted to let you know how amazing I think you are and how Isaac's life has inspired me. I just gave birth to my baby boy Mason on May 24th, but I didn't always know that day would come. The Dr. thought he had Trisomy 18, but after an amnio we found that to be untrue. During the "waiting game" I went to your blog for guidance and it even helped me to find God. Isaac's story has helped me to appreciate life and not take anything for granted. Your sweet little boy has touched so many lives. God bless you!

Danielle

Anonymous said...

Stacy- How is it that although you are the one that should need the comforting, that I often times find comfort from you? Thank you for today's message. Also wanted you to know that I thought of you today when I heard the song "Always" by Building 429. God is good all the time.

Unknown said...

Lovely post! xo.

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Yes He does...always and faithfully...and He is more than enough...

As you know...

Anonymous said...

Stacy,
I have followed your blof from the beginning and although I personally have not experienced what you have I have prayed for you! Today I was reading someone elses blog and they had a link to a video of another womens story. The video features Mandissa, you may have seen it but if not I think you may enjoy it. Praying for you still!

Shanna

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=980a2cb94bf283772d30&utm_source=newsletter0604&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklytopvideos