Monday, March 15, 2010

Faith & Understanding

Hello friends,

Thank you ever so much for your continued prayers over the weeks.

Last week, we miscarried. God has been so good through it...so gentle and merciful. So loving. We have been surrounded with loving people and uplifted in prayer. God's word has been a comfort over and over, and the peace that passes understanding has been evident. We praise God for this peace, that only HE can give through times like this.

I've learned to be thankful during a time that doesn't seem natural to be thankful. Again, it's not of me, but of God. His strength has been made perfect in my weakness and all the glory goes to Him!

We were priveleged to spend a week at a Missions Conference in Albert Lea, MN last week. God knew it was exactly what we needed. The spiritual encouragement and daily time together in God's word, focusing on living for HIS glory was such a blessing.

Now that we're home again, back to the grind, I find it a bit more difficult to focus...to be motivated to take the next step of the day. BUT, God is still a very present help in trouble, and I'm praying for the strength to rely on Him, even during the day to day goings on of life.

Again, thank you all for praying. It's been a tremendous help and blessing. We are confident that God has done what was best for us and our baby. We trust His goodness and love and although, there are times I seek answers to the "WHY's", I realize that I don't need to know, but I just to trust.

During yesterday morning's sermon, Pastor preached from Mark 8 about the disciples on the boat with Jesus, fretting because they forgot the bread. Even after they had seen Jesus provide food TWICE for a multitude of people...their unbelief caused them to lose focus on who Jesus is, and instead, they focused on themselves, their reasoning, their inabilities, etc. And, their unbelief caused a lack of understanding. Something Pastor said really stuck out to me at that point. Faith proceeds knowledge and understanding. How can we even hope to understand what God is doing if we don't trust Him first? And, will I, like the disciples, forget what God has done for me already, and respond to life's circumstances like He's never provided before? God forbid. I pray I would let the lessons of this experience linger throughout my lifetime, and that God would receive the glory...

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aw, Sarah, I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying for you in this time, that God would continue to give you strength and faith and comfort and courage. Let me know if you ever need to talk. I've walked this road. He is always faithful.

Julie said...

Been thinking and praying for you...

Unknown said...

I love that song about the peace that passes understanding. It's a good oldie from my Sunday school days.

Miss ya!

Sylvia

Unknown said...

Sarah,

I first want to tell you that you have been an inspiration to me on my journey to know God. I am going to Ankeny E-Free and right now we are study the book of Habukkuk. This study is answering many of my questions about why God does things the way He does and what we are suppossed to do when we don't understand. If you haven't looked at this book, I think you might find answers and peace there. I'm praying for you family. Valerie Lynch

melanie said...

God is always so good. If only we could remember consistently and live accordingly ~ that's why we need His grace!
Did you get to participate in a class with the Servant Leadership series last summer? (I still need to order the dvd to review it all) Oh so good ~ and such a good preparation for Pastor's preaching through Mark. wow.

God is SO good to help us to .connect.the.dots. of what we really .need. to understand. =)

une autre mère said...

Sarah, I'm so sorry to hear of your miscarriage. My heart broke for you when I read those words. I'll be praying for strength for you and Jim during this time. And thanks for the reminder of God's sovereignty.

Jewel said...

I am so sorry for your loss. His strength is made perfect in our weakness indeed!
Enjoy your little one.
Praying for you.

Jewel

Ann@StringerMama said...

I've been thinking and praying for you so much Sarah (and Jim too!). It's so tough but I've been amazed over and over how God just carries us through these hard times. Your baby is with Him - what a precious comfort! Love and prayers!

cybil said...

Dear Sarah,
I'm very sorry for you and Jim.
And I pray that God's comfort and peace is around you and upon you.
Warm regards from Switzerland,
Sibylle

Carrie said...

Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family - God brings you to my mind often & I pray for you. I'm so proud of the way you are allowing God to use you through this difficult time, and how you are allowing Him to draw you to Himself. You are a wonderful example of faith in trials. Thank you for being so open about what you are feeling. I'm sure the days are difficult, and I pray God continues to give you peace and joy each day.

carissa said...

so sorry for your tremendous loss. may the Lord grant you a peace (which I can tell that He has!) that passes all understanding. your family is just beautiful. i love your hearts. thank you for all you're doing for the Kingdom. may God bless you. i'm following you so i can keep up with your lives!

MarshaMarshaMarsha said...

Thinking about you today. Still praying for you.

(((hugs)))

Carly said...

So sorry to hear of your miscarriage. I can't think of words that would help, but I pray that God will heal your broken hearts and hold you in his loving arms.

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

Sarah,

I haven't been over here in a while (well, really on blogger at all) so I apologize for my silence. I was searching for the post that would tell me what happened here, and I'm so sorry. I know you are probably settled to some degree by now, but just know that I am another person who was and is hoping to share that burden with you as much as I can.

You have been an inspiration to many through all of this; your faithfulness to our God has shored up for me a resolve to keep the same attitude when the waters get rough again, as I'm sure they will.

Thank you for letting God's light shine in you...it has overshadowed the deep sorrow you have endured as a mom, and allowed others to see the great God who dwells in you and obviously rules your life.

His great blessings be on you.
Chel

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