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We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in 2008. Our children helped us celebrate with an all expense paid all arranged vacation In Hawaii.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
(This post is from Randy Alcorn's excellent new book, If God Is Good--Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil. I will be reviewing the book in a few days.)
God tells us that trials in which evil and suffering come upon us "have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:7).
Alice Gray writes of sitting at a restaurant, talking with a friend about painful challenges in their lives. They frequently mentioned the Lord.
Alice noticed a young woman at the next table with a radiant, joyful face. The young woman smiled and said she'd overheard their conversation. Speaking softly she encouraged Alice and Marlene that God understood and cared about their heartaches, and nothing could separate them from God's love.
Alice continued talking with Marlene but realized something was different. The young woman's words had refreshed them. When the smiling woman got up to leave. Alice saw she wore bulky shoes, carried a walking stick, and moved with a severe limp.
The waitress told Alice this woman had been in a near-fatal automobile accident the year before. She's been in and out of the hospital and rehabilitation. Her husband divorced her, their home had been sold, and she'd just moved into her own apartment. She used public transportation because she couldn't drive. She'd been unable to find a job.
Alice sat stunned. She said..."Meeting her that day, we never would have suspected that storms were raging in her life. Even as she stepped outside into the cold winter wind, she seemed to carry God's warm shelter of hope with her."
22 comments:
Wow! Now that is inspiring.
Charlotte
I agree with sister Charlotte! That's why it's upsetting to hear those who preached watered down faith...they end up destroying many by giving them false beliefs in the God Who didn't promise a smooth journey in this life or wealth. But I'm grateful that Jesus did overcome the world!!! Great story! God bless.
Amazing story. I have known a few people who were this positive even in the face of devastating life experiences. They are inspiring. If such ever happens to me I hope and pray my faith sustains me to be that kind of encouragement to others. Good post.
Humbling ... poignant ... inspirational, all. Like Charlotte said, "Wow!" Life lessons all around us, every day, eh?
Thank you, Clif and Mr. Alcorn, for sharing this great story!
Myra
Clif,
An inspiring story...I also would hope that I would have that much faith in the face of such adversities.
Jean
This sounds like it will be another wonderful book. It seems like no matter how much we hurt, someone else is hurting more.
Ginger
When confronted with difficulties, we can sometimes more clearly see the hand of God.
Really inspiritional, bless you.
This is very inspirational, Clif. A beautiful and gentle reminder of how our attitude makes a difference and how important it is to keep our eyes on Jesus and not our circumstances.
Thank you.
Hi Clif.
Look...I finally am participating in Spiritual Sunday from your invite so many months ago!
I loved your post and found it very inspiring. There is a blog that I read (The Nie Nie Dialogues) that I get much inspiration from as well. This mother of 4 was in a near-fatal plane crash that claimed the life of the co-pilot (her husband was also at the controls) and burned her over nearly 85% of her body.
She is horribly disfigured, yet gets up everyday in pain to feed and care for her husband and 4 young children. Her enthusiasm and spirit is contagious, even when she allows moments of despair to creep in. Her blog is so uplifting even though her life is filled with physical and emotional pain.
Wishing you a peaceful, relaxing, and spiritual-filled Sunday,
Valerie
Wow, talk about dancing in the rain. We can learn so much in times of trials. It's hard sometimes but we have to keep looking up. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments on my blog. I also thank you for the wonderful job you do on your blog, you offer so much insight. Thank you once again for my book, I look forward to having some free time and curling up for a good read.
Have a blessed week.
Kathleen
We never do know how the Lord is working in other people's lives.
Hi Clif,
What an inspirational story you have shared today! I love reading stories like that; they encourage and inspire all of us to walk every day in God's grace. Proof positive that His grace is sufficient! Have a wonderful Sunday.
Blessings,
Sandi
Note: I have started another blog in which I am sharing my journey of living with a chronic illness and how the Lord has helped me to walk in His grace in spite of it. If you would like to check it out, it is called Spirit Song and the link is http://cottagewiththeyellowdoor.blogspot.com/
God is amazing!
There's no testimony without a test! God is faithful.
I'm speechless!
Hello Cliff, This story is surly an inspiration. My sister's daughter died at age 27 because of a medical mistake. We were devastated and I even turned away from God for awhile because I had so much anger. Not my sister. She turned more TO God and because of 'her faith. in her 'darkest hour' we had renewed faith. This story so brought it all back to me. A wonderful testimony of faith here. Thank you Cliff.
Blessings, Jeanne
very inspiring!
Thanks for that lovely story.
Very powerful. Gives on perspective. Thank you!
Hello..thanks for stopping by my place today!
Just popped over to say hello and so enjoyed reading your posts! The example of God's grace in the times of trial give me much to think about.
Bless you,
Susan
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