God is working all things out for good for those who love Him

God is working all things out for good for those who love Him

A word from our friend Michelle Kuhnen, an overcomer and sister in Christ.

God is working all things out for good for those who love Him.

Just last month, I celebrated my 37th birthday. Never would I have imagined I would be in an
extended season of singleness at this age.

Having been in a same-sex relationship in my early 20s, followed by several years of healing and
refinement in my walk with the Lord, I guess at some point I expected spiritual healing = getting all
the things I wanted. Turns out that’s not the case. There have been many times when I’ve wrestled
with the Lord about what I thought healing would look like versus what He was actually doing in me.

A few things I’ve learned in this season of singleness:

-Waiting is active on our part. It requires intention, not passivity, and often looks like daily
small steps of obedience.

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily
and follow me.’” Luke 9:23 (ESV)

-God who saved you is also sanctifying you. Everything you are going through is for a purpose.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of
Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

-He already knows every detail of both the end result and the details of the waiting process.
Nothing is unfolding by accident or uncertainty. His plan is always going off without a hitch.

“…I am God, and there is no other… declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times
things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’” Isaiah
46:9–10 (ESV)

-God is preparing us, growing us, challenging us. What feels like a delay is often formation,
shaping character and deepening dependence on Him.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and
endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” Romans 5:3–4 (ESV)

My brother or sister in Christ, whether you are praying for that next season in life, or are a parent
waiting for your son/ daughter to return to the Lord, or are going through a difficulty that doesn’t
seem to end— God has good plans for you. He’s growing you and working both in and through you.

“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are
called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)

 

Where is God When the News Comes?

Where is God When the News Comes?

Noisy chatter and laughter of people all around us were another painful reminder everything was not all right.  Tears pooled in my lap.  I was unable to hold them back any longer.  The once simple process of ordering felt overwhelming.  I was at a loss for words.  Why did I agree to meet her?  Inside I longed to run back to the security I felt by hiding in my home, distancing myself from family and friends.

Weeks earlier this extroverted, confident woman received news leaving me hiding in my own closet.  My daughter sent a text stating she was in a relationship with a girl.  A vice gripped this Christian mama’s heart refusing to let go.  The crushing news brought with it a heavy garment of despair and hopelessness.  Wrapping itself around me like a cloak it sought to take my very breath.  Then, unannounced, a tidal wave of grief crashed over me.  I was taken under.  With a mouth full of sand and the sting of salt water in my eyes, I found myself struggling to lift my head above water.  I was left fighting against the current to stand.

Grief.  It rudely interrupts our lives changing us forever.  As the waves roll in so do our questions and thoughts.

Where is God in all of this?  Why didn’t He stop this from happening to my child? What did I do wrong?

Does grieving mean I don’t trust in my Heavenly Father?

What will others now say?   Is there hope? Will I ever feel joy again?

Is it possible to still maintain a loving relationship with my child and stand on my convictions and beliefs as a follower of Christ?

Comfort is found in knowing I’m not the only one who questioned God in a season of deep grief.  Mary and Martha knew Jesus and walked with Him.  Yet, they still questioned His whereabouts when they lost their brother.  (See John 11:1-37) Jesus did not respond with condemnation or judgmental thoughts.  Their loss of hope, diminished faith, and crushing grief was not reprimanded.  Instead, He met them in their great sorrow and wept with them.

‘When Jesus saw her weeping, …he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.  “Where have you laid him?” he asked.  “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.  Jesus wept. (John 11:37)

John 11:37 is the shortest verse in the whole Bible but offers us grace to be human, permission to grieve, and a greater appreciation for our Lord and Savior becoming like us in human form.  Where is Jesus?  He is right beside us weeping over our children with us.  We are not alone.

His Wonderful Works is here as well.  We desire to meet you where you are and walk this journey together.  We may not have the answers to all the questions but we know the One who does.  Through my story I will attempt to share my journey and lessons that I have learned with you.  I hope you will join me!

Posted on October 10, 2017 | Author: Melinda Patrick | Director of Prayer and Parents Support