HOPE IN THE HURT

I've been sitting here staring at this computer for longer than I care to admit. I'm at a loss for words. My heart is just so heavy.

Scott's friend, Kris Walters died last night after a car hit him head on as he was riding his motorcycle in Parkersburg. He was only 30, 30!, with a wife and two very little kids.

Horrible things happen every day. I know this...I do. GC is still dealing with the terrible heartache from the death of another great guy who left behind his wife and young kids less than a year ago. It is all just horrible. Overwhelmingly horrible. I can feel myself wanting to curl up with my husband and kids and just stay locked inside where all the horrible can't get to us. But, I realize that trying to hide from even the possibility of bad things will not give me or my family the peace I desire for us in this world.

True peace can only come from knowing and believing God is in control. That is where we can find hope while living in this suffering world...in Him. "And, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:7

Following is a passage from Choosing to See written by Mary Beth Chapman (wife of Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman) about her journey of struggle and hope after the death of her daughter, Maria.

"...I am sorry for anyone reading this who is suffering...loss and suffering are hard and very unpredictable. I still trust in the One who gave us Maria, but I am also a person who trusts while doubting at the same time. I am just being honest. I pray to God that He would build my trust and that my doubting would turn to rejoicing in time."

I love her honesty..."trust while doubting at the same time". I think its OK to doubt...to question...to seek understanding in the hard times. But it is absolutely critical to TRUST the entire time questions are swirling. You must hold tight to the truth that God is working all things for the good (Romans 8:28). And, it must be remembered that God works in "all things". Evil is prevalent in our fallen world. God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill His purpose. The likelihood is that we will not understand the hurt that happens in this world. But God wants to give us hope and peace in Him!

"but, those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31