When All is Stripped Away..

What do you cling to when all is stripped away? What do you hold to when your nightmare has come and you find that you're not dreaming? What do you say when you know with every word you speak that your heart might break and the pieces might never come back together?

"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be His name."

Oh how I long for my heart to respond like Job's. How I long to cling to the truth that our God is good, near, ever faithful, ever strong, all knowing, all-powerful.

My heart might be breaking but this I do know... that NO MATTER what happens our God is God. He is good whether or not what I want to have happen happens. His being Good is not dependent on my life going the way I want. Do I want Samuel to be healed? OF COURSE! Do I wish this hadn't happened? Of course!

But I am trusting Him that He knows the bigger picture, that He will receive the glory, and that He will NEVER leave or forsake me!

John 9:1-7 says,

9:1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

May the works of God be displayed in Samuel. May they be displayed in our family. May God receive all the glory.

Psalm 46:1-3 says,

46:1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah


The earth has given away under us and the mountains have fallen into the sea. Our world feels like it's crumbling. All our plans have blown up in our faces... YET, our God is our refuge and strength, and a very present help in trouble.

So onward we go. We cling to God and face the day and do each task that is set and appointed to us. Tired, weary, worn... we stumble on. Knowing that He is carrying us and He will not let us stumble.

Comments

Jessica Rockey said…
My dear sister... I'm glad that these are the words and thoughts that you are dwelling on. Yesterday, at church, we sang 'Blessed be your Name'... I know that is a bittersweet song for you to hear. My heart was just aching for you as I barely got the words out of my mouth. I still don't understand the people that can dance around as they are singing that one... (not that there's anything wrong with that;)... maybe one day.
Well... I'm thinking of you and praying for you always. Give all the babes extra kisses and hugs... they need them now too. Love you.
Unknown said…
Hi Jennifer,

I've been "checking in" with your blog since I discovered that we're both Christian writers, both have husbands who are pastors, and both had babies two years ago. Even though we're strangers, please know that I'm praying for you and would love to send a fun package if you're willing to share your mailing address.

Sincerely,
Carol
Callie said…
I'm encouraged by your faith, Jennifer. We're praying for you all.
Ashleigh said…
Oh, Jennifer, even though what we walked through with Noah is different than what you are walking through with Samuel, I can relate to what you wrote:

"What do you hold to when your nightmare has come and you find that you're not dreaming? What do you say when you know with every word you speak that your heart might break and the pieces might never come back together?"

I remember feeling that way when the news of the miscarriage set in. And I remember reminding myself that God is God no matter what. I love you, sweet friend, and am praying for you, Mike, Samuel, and the kids.
Jennifer said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Barbara said…
Girlie...these words slay me in a way that provoke me and cause me to long for even a portion of your faith and passion for God.
Pleading, pleading, pleading to the Lord on your behalf...
Diane said…
Jen,

We have been praying for you all many times a day. Have you read "Hearing Jesus Speak to your Sorrow" by Nancy Guthrie? It is an excellent book on sorrow and suffering and she is real in it. If not I would love to send it to you.

Love,
Diane
Kate Van said…
Thank you sweet Jennifer for your words of honesty and reminding us all of God's truth. This is a crazy season but I'm SO encouraged to read this. Love you so much and want to help with the shower----YIPPY! LOVE the name Peter!
Jennifer said…
Dear Diane,

Sounds like an excellent book and I have yet to read it. Please feel free to send it my way :)

Jennifer

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