I have a friend who lost two children to cancer. After his daughter died at the tender age of five, he didn’t blame God. He grieved but this is what he told my husband.“I know two things and that’s all I know.
1. God is good.
2. God loves me.
Everything else starts at number 3.”
The amazing thing is he said the same thing after his son died at the age of nineteen. These two children were extraordinary. They loved God and loved spending time in His presence.
Whenever I’m going through a hard time God reminds me of this. It puts life in perspective for me. Whether life is going my way or not I still will worship Him and honor Him. Why? Because He is good and He loves me. The circumstances don’t change that.
Today I examined my circumstances. My husband still has cancer – he’s in remission and I rejoice in that. My mind will not be at total peace until he is fully healed. I want to quit my job in order to do other things for God – explore full time writing, travel with my husband, explore more ministry opportunities, not necessarily in that order. This is all good things to want and desire.
Still all of that starts at number three. I don’t know what circumstances you are facing right now in your life. Some of it is probably more serious or tougher than my circumstance, but I believe that with my whole heart it starts at number three.
There are times in our lives when it seems God is quiet and not listening to us. We pray and nothing seems to happen. Today I heard Aaron Evans talk about that. He said when we were in school and taking a test, the teacher was at her desk watching. She wasn’t talking to us so that we’re not distracted from the task at hand. So when God seems to be silent it is because we’re in a season of taking a test and He’s watching us.
Lord, change my heart to praise You in all things. Always remind me that You are good, You love me and my circumstances don’t change those truths.
© Nadine Z. 2007
10 comments:
Amen.
Oh Nadine, I love this post. You write so beautifully.
Thank you, Nadine, for sharing your heart so faithfully in this space. I am so blessed that I also get to experience the "live" version of your humor, insights, and friendship.
What a great perspective to keep in tough times.
I pray for, and believe that Tom will be fully healed. I also believe this is a timed test of faith and the Teacher is watching us with patience and kindness, aching for us to "ace it."
Dear Nadine,
Although I am not a Christian, I respected all religions. Being a Buddhist, just like you having faith is so important.
I too pray for you and Tom and that you'll continue to keep the faith goig strong.
Your friend always,
Shionge
God is good and He does love us but as for number 3...hmmm...don't know if that's always a good thing hey?
Thanks for the comment~
I love the part about God is listening...sometimes we want instant results and that is not always his will. Your words were encourgaing and I thank you for that.
So sorry to hear about your friend loosing 2 children. A parent's worst nightmare, my heart goes out to him and his family.
Great post! Sometimes we get discouraged when God doesn't seem to "answer" our prayers. Yet, isn't "wait..." or "not yet..." a valid answer? Sometimes we need to develop the patience and strength to grow fully in his Grace.
I LOVE "Everything starts at number 3". There is NO better way to say that! Such a great way to view things.
thank you that was really great! that is a really great perspective to have!
Hi Babe...
thanks for being with me for some of the hardest number threes of our lives...
I love you...
Tom
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