Above is a pic of my youngest daughter and me.
My Husband, My brother in Christ
Sowing in Tears
"The truth is that any place worth living, is worth the pain that it takes to get you there." (this is a quote I found from a woman that just finished a study on the book of Ruth)
Yes, my body HURTS at times from head to toe from the MS. So bad that, all I can muster are tears. All I can think about is heaven. But my God is ALWAYS faithful, 100% of the time. He always provides. ALWAYS.
I love the people in my life that point me to Christ in these times... point me away from me.
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. - Psalm 126:5
The most difficult place to keep moving in faith is the place of extreme pain. Extreme pain, especially emotional pain, can become immobilizing to the human spirit if it is allowed to overcome us. The psalmist tells us there is only one remedy for overcoming painful circumstances that will result in joy. We are to sow in the midst of these times. You cannot do this if you live by feelings alone. It is an act of the will. This act requires that we go outside ourselves in pure faith.
I learned this principle during one of the deepest periods of my life. I had lost much that was dear to me. A mature man in the faith admonished me to reach out to others in spite of my own pain. "Invest in someone else," he said. I did not realize what a place of healing and comfort that would become.
"He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him" (Ps. 126:6).
Pain can become a source of joy if we take the first step by planting seed. There is a harvest that will come if we sow in the midst of tears.
by Os Hillman, May 16, 2006
(Thank you for this, Mike R.)
Comments
You are most welcome Lisa. I can't wait to see what crowns the Lord gives you when you get home.
Posted by: Mike Ratliff | May 16, 2006 09:59 AM
Aaah... but I deserve nothing, Mike. For any crown I receive will be for that which He enabled me to accomplish for His glory. Even the wearing of any crown is to point to Christ to bring Him alone the glory due Him.
Thank you for being such an encouragement to me.
Posted by: 4ever4given | May 16, 2006 02:48 PM
I know I can learn a lot from you.
Posted by: Amy DeBurgh | May 16, 2006 03:40 PM
I SO ENJOYED reading the posts on your site, Amy. They were insightful, honest and God-honoring.
To Him be ALL the glory.
Posted by: 4ever4given | May 16, 2006 03:53 PM
This makes me think of my favorite hymn about heaven. I particularly like verses 4 & 5
The Sands of Time Are Sinking
By Mrs. A. R. Cousin
1. The sands of time are sinking,
The dawn of heaven breaks;
The summer morn I’ve sighed for -
The fair, sweet morn awakes:
Dark, dark had been the midnight
But dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.
2. The king there in His beauty,
Without a veil is seen:
It were a well-spent journey,
Though seven deaths lay between:
The Lamb with His fair army,
Doth on Mount Zion stand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land
3. O Christ, He is the fountain,
The deep, sweet well of love!
The streams on earth I’ve tasted
More deep I’ll drink above:
There to an ocean fullness
His mercy doth expand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.
4. The bride eyes not her garment,
But her dear Bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory
But on my King of grace.
Not at the crown He giveth
But on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Emmanuel’s land.
5. O I am my Beloved’s
And my Beloved is mine!
He brings a poor vile sinner
Into His house of wine
I stand upon His merit -
I know no other stand,
Not e’en where glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.
Posted by: Roadkill (Mike) | May 16, 2006 05:05 PM
Lisa asked me to copy and paste this here. Our current SS series is on biblical contentment and there is a "contentment journal" that goes along with it. These are my answers to the questions on it:
Describe the situation in which you are tempted to be discontent:
I am tempted to be discontent regarding my physical state. Having an illness that continually affects my daily life, yet remains undiagnosed, is a source of great frustration for me.
Consider the passages listed (I did not list these here, due to the length of the list) and describe your situation...
In light of God's Love -
God has allowed this affliction into my life because He loves me and He can use these circumstances to His glory.
God's wisdom - God knows what is best for me. In my human and sinful state I am tempted to consider physical affliction as horrible, but these are not God's ways.
God's sovereignty - These afflictions are a part of God's plan for my life. I can balk at the discomfort I am in or embrace the opportunity He has given me to rest in Him. The purpose of the Lord will indeed stand.
In light of your sinfulness - My sinful desire is to feel sorry for myself and find pity from others. I must put off these sinful ways and turn my thoughts towards more godly areas.
In light of God's purposes - God has a purpose for this affliction and I must seek Him in this area. Rather than having health as my goal, I should strive to fulfill those purposes, not wasting this time of my life when God has slowed me down and given me a chance to learn more about Him.
In light of your responsibilities to God - It is my responsibility, in this case, to put away the desires of my flesh and turn towards more godly desires. It is my responsibility to live a life of self control rather than giving in to self pity.
In light of your responsibilities to others - God has chosen me to shine His light and I must be faithful to those around me in this regard. I must be subject to those in authority over me (including submitting to my husband when he asks me to slow down) and keep my conduct honorable, even in my discomfort and frustration.
In light of eternity - Though my body is breaking down with this affliction, my inner and eternal nature is being renewed . I must keep the faith and run the race that really counts.
When I am tempted to complain or murmur about my situation, I need to remind myself - To think on godly things rather than earthly ones. I should strive to look around me and see the lovely things of God's creation rather than focusing on my troubles.
When I am tempted to become consumed with my situation (personal note - this is a huge temptation!) such that it interferes with God-given responsibilities, I need to remember - To read II Colossians 4!!
I also suggested that he add a question that would read, "What are some specific ways that God can be glorified through this situation?" My answers would be - I have an opportunity to model patience and perseverance to my family and those around me. I come on contact with many in the medical field that I can share God's love with, also.
Lisa and I share some physical struggles, but we also share something much more important - God's grace and mercy!! We indeed have a great Treasure in these jars of clay.
Blessings
Sheshe
Posted by: sheshe | May 16, 2006 06:17 PM