December has come and nearly gone. As we say goodbye to another year, the year 2013 and we welcome in the new year , I am mindful of the pain, sadness,grief and loss that surrounds us. it is a very strange thing, but the ending of a year seems to bring with it tragedy and loss. There are so many whom we know personally who have lost loved ones during this time. All are Christians. All love Jesus and are loved by him.
For all of them , their strong faith in Jesus is the very real strength they have to face their trial and pain.
To those on the outside it might seem as if God has abandoned his people. Where is he in the mess of life. When a dearly loved one dies- where is God?
When a tumour is diagnosed- where is God?
When the unthinkable happens - where is God?
When we face those things in life that tear us apart and rip our lives to shreds - Where is God?
When those who should love and support us let us down so desperately-where, oh where is God?
The truth is that God is not shy of getting his hands dirty. He is at work in the very pain and heartache of real peoples , real lives. he holds them, strengthens them, loves them and guides them. He provides and his grace is like a river flowing from heaven into the lives of those who trust him. Does this mean that pain and suffering just go away. Not at all. It means that Jesus makes sense of all this pain and suffering, I have 3 dear friends who have enormous trials that they are facing right now. Each of them testifies to Gods love and goodness, his grace and providence. They shine out his love and hope and are an enormous encouragement for those who walk beside them - despite their deep pain and real struggles and despite the forever loss one carries in these kinds of situations.
Romans 8:28 is one of my favourite reminders. God is at work in all things - the good and the awful things. He is at work in all our situations . He is at work for our good according to his purpose,
So, I pray this prayer for these friends and many others who are battered by life....
Keep trusting Jesus.
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