"For Christ Himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in His own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us." Ephesians 2:14
I do not know about you, but some days, weeks, and even months simply do not feel peaceful. It is hard to travel through this life when you do not feel at peace.
Sure, I have inner peace regarding my salvation and many other areas. However, there is often one crisis or emergency in my life and it stomps and tramples all over my inner peace.
I sail along peacefully and out of the blue comes a bomb shell. You know those days. All is good and boom! Now you need the EMS..the Fire Department..the Police Department, and all the friends and family you can gather by your side.
This past week has been one of those weeks for me. I have sobbed and prayed and sobbed some more; and then God spoke to me. He revealed to me the purpose of my suffering and the suffering of others in my life. His message was clear:
Sometimes, I use painful situations to bring about needed change. Your pain and the pain of those you love is not in vain. I have a purpose in "all" things.
I am still emotional and struggling, but I have a renewed since of peace. I know my Heavenly Father has a greater plan for all our lives. Thank you, my prayer warrior friends for praying for me.
Seeking HIS continued peace,
Andrea
24 comments:
pain and change - so many times I wondered why God? Now I want HIm to use me to touch someone else on their journey. Thanks for sharing. Sarah
My Dear Andrea,
I needed to stop by and say hello and I'm glad that I did. Oh dear one, I will be lifting you up in prayer for even more peace within. He is our resting place, He is our comforter, our Creator... "Sometimes, I use painful situations to bring about needed change. Your pain and the pain of those you love is not in vain. I have a purpose in "all" things." Yes, He does have a greater plan for all of our lives. I'm with you dear sister, at your side at all times, praying from the depths of my heart for you in all ways.
I love you Andrea and I've missed coming here. I read through your others postings that I have missed this morning and I am touched so. I need to try to read more and keep up with other's blogs when I can, because they are healing for me too and in reading yours first today, I realized that I need to be there as much for others despite my own trials going on. In the flesh, I have been overwhelmed, but I am an intercessor and a prayer warrior and in my inner being, especially today, I needed to let you know that I am praying and love you dearly my friend. I will stop by as much as I can during this trying time in our lives, but please know that you are always in my heart and prayers.
Love you so much,
Alleluiabelle
Thanks for sharing. Your message was uplifting. I hope that these painful situations will pass soon. It's good to have comfort in the Lord & friends because we know everyday isn't going to be easy. Some days are much more than we can bear. I see your hope is in the Lord. Have a much better weekend.
Dear Adrea,
You may not know it but, I find inspiration in your blog. With days as "crazy" as mine and even more you still find time to squeeze in writing daily. It reminds I can do it too and gives me the strength to continue. The Lord be with you.
RM
Andrea,
Will still continue to pray for you and your family daily. I praise God that you found some peace in the midst of everything you're going through. Hang in there, it will all be worth the effort and wait.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Hi Andrea,
I got your email and am praying for your family. I'm glad you've been seeking God's guidance in this situation and that he has given you some peace regarding it. It will all work out to his glory whether we understand the "why's" or not and whether or not we see the fruitfullness of His plan in our own lifetime.
Hugs and Blessings,
Leslie
My favorite verse is Philippians 4:6,7. I pray that the Lord's peace be with you always and guard your heart and your mind. Love you in Christ...
So true about being in pain and change in our lives. God does have a purpose in everything he does. If not for being challenged in life, what gain, satisfaction and glory do we get. If we do not learn through our trials and suffering, life would be to mundain, predictable. Pain and suffering lets us know we are alive and kicking!
God does have a reason! I will ask him when I see him.
Great Post!
I understand what you are saying. I have been there for several weeks now. Praise God for His faithfulness to us, dear sister.
Praying for you as we both partake in the fellowship in His sufferings.
Thank you for stopping by my friday post at the 5 Moms blog.
Amen...God never lets us suffer without a reason. Saying a prayer for you and your family.
Mimi
Sweet friend, thank you for sharing your heart as well. I love seeing God do his mighty work in His children. May His perfect peace simply flood into your life and spill onto the lives of those you touch. I know it has blessed me through your writing today.
Blessings from Costa Rica,
Sarah Dawn
First visit today. HIS peace will come . . . praying for you.
Bren
Yes, this is a right on word from the Lord. The pain is bringing about His purpose but I've been drenched in tears also because of my love for the people close to me that are hurting.
If I lived closer I'd drop by and pick you up and go for coffee and we could cry together...aren't you glad I don't live closer????
Love you. I'm so glad you are getting some relief, too. I'll keep praying.
Mary
God loves us too much to send pain or suffering for no reason! I am glad that you heard His reassuring voice in the midst of your diffcult week!
How true, Andrea... we all long for a lasting peace, but somehow something always comes up. I can truly relate with what you wrote.
I am praying for God to be near to you, and continue to speak to you in the circumstances you find yourself.
Hi Andrea,
I came here from a comment you made on another post. This is such a good insightful post. I'm glad I found you. We would love to have you share with us on Spiritual Sundays. Here is the url:
http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/
Have a wonderful day.
Charlotte
Lately, my 21 year old has been testing the waters of independence and in the process not making the best of decisions. Which means his actions affect the rest of the family unit. I have lamented, cried, worried and prayed to no end. Finally, my hubby and I took a much needed day trip together, with the rule we could not talk about the shenanigans of my oldest son. It gave us renewed hearts, faith and love. Sometimes, if you can, getting away from the toils of life helps. Prayers for peace are being lifted up in your name. Annie
Oh do I understand, dear friend. We have to trust that He has a huge purpose in the things we go through. I'm so sorry for your week-- I knew you have been going through some things. I will keep remembering to pray for you. Can I do anything?
Wonderful post. I have that picture on my desktop also. Blessings dear one and thanks for sharing!
Oh yes, we all have those moments. But God promises us peace and He is faithful. Our enemy tries to get us to take our eyes off the Lord and place them on our circumstances. When that happens, we can lose our peace as we are focusing on what's wrong within our situation.
When we keep our eyes on the Lord we have peace, as we know that He is in the circumstances! Indeed, He rides above the circumstances and is in control!
When my dad was alive, I had a year where both my parents were in and out of the hospital 8 times, both nearly died.
Now that my dad is with the Lord, I've had to call 911 and my mom has been in the hospital many times. Once, she went to the hospital 3 times in 3 weeks!
During the difficult times we just need to lean into Him, and rest, knowing He will take care of it. I love Psalm 112:7, awesome verse!
Enjoy your precious grandbaby this week, my friend, and I will pray for you!
Seeking HIS continued peace.. Oh yes I know
what you mean Andrea(:)
lovely post ..
hugs, Patty
Dear Andrea, just stopping by to say hello, wish you well, and send hugs. Have a great week!!
Precious Andrea, you continue to be upon my heart. While our experiences may be different we've all walked those times you're speaking of where it seems that out of no where the water rises up and attempts to claim us but thanks be to GOD that the water may wash over us but it does not claim our lives. God is with us in the most turbulent of times and when the water is still. He is our Peace.
May you walk in that precious revelation He gave to you and stand on His peace and promises for you and your family.
Much love and prayers dear sister.
Dear Andrea, I usually check your other blog but glad I checked here today-lifting you up right now dear friend. May His words and His love wash over you this very moment and give you grace for the journey. Love the verse too.
Hugs to you my friend.
Noreen
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