Don't Give Up!

In the past few weeks, Bruce and I have had the honor of listening to and praying with three separate families who are facing incredible challenges with their teenagers.
The stories are so strikingly similar to our own, that our hearts ache for the child and the parents.

1. I remember pleading with God to heal my child.
2. Being on my face on the floor, weeping.
3. Praying scripture over her.
4. Searching my heart: how have I contributed to my child's challenge?
5. Consulting numerous professionals.

(If you've been there, you know the rest of the list.)

You'd gladly take your child's pain on yourself to spare him or her the agony.
(That in itself is a distant echo of the way God loves each of us.)

I am blessed that, over the past five years, I've seen my child move in a steep incline toward complete healing. Because of her illness, she clung to her faith and God's Word. The Holy Spirit did some miraculous things, intervening at just the right time to show her the significance and value of her life.

She and Bruce and I have experienced a comfort beyond what we could have ever known apart from Him. I would not know God's comfort if I'd never known pain.

There are no earthly answers to why we suffer. We simply cannot comprehend the Divine interweaving of our individual story threads, and how, together, the tears, the prayers, the joining of hands, the sharing of our agonies, brings glory to God.

I've always told my daughter, "God must have some unique and glorious purpose for you because He gave you a special sensitivity, not only to look inside and see your own pain, but to recognize others, as well."

I want to encourage you; if you're suffering deeply in your soul, it could be that God is preparing you for some mighty work. Cling to Him. Call out to Him. Trust Him. Let His Word bathe your brain.

I know that you want to run away from people. But, please do not do that. Much of what God does to minister to us is through other people.
I want you to know that if you've asked for me to pray for you, I'm praying. And I'll keep on praying.
This is what I pray for you:
"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." (Psalm 40: 1-3)

Don't give up.