“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)
Yep, life is not always the smooth sailing we wish it would be. In fact, life can be very hard, something our family is feeling the reality of every day. But then, as my mom said to me this weekend, after reading a great book by Mary Beth Chapman: “We are finding out we can do hard.”
I guess I feel officially grown up now. For me and my family, I’m not sure when “hard” is gonna end. We still live between grief and hope; we still can sometimes fleetingly grasp the joy that is to come. But somehow, in the here and now, how do we believe we can “take heart”? How do we believe we can overcome, through Christ, the “many trials and sorrows”? “Enough already!” we’re all silently screaming.
So what do we do?
Keep fighting the fight. This is written on my grandpa’s memorial stone: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) In other words, if you don’t quit, you win. And life is a race, a fight; every day brings new challenges, choices, trials...that we can overcome! But, we live in a fallen world and it’s tough. The key is not giving up.
Stand in the gap. (Ezekiel 22:30) People need people, there’s something cool in that, leaning on each other, in good times and bad, building friendships and relationships...that’s what life is all about. The really cool thing is mixing the spiritual with friendships – praying for each other, praying together, talking about real stuff, not just the “small talk” of everyday life. So if you “stand in the gap” for someone in prayer, you pray for them or “intercede” – basically praying to God on their behalf.
So, we’re fighting the fight and standing in the gap – for Ryan’s family, for Mom and Dad. Thanks for joining with us. We know you are; we feel it and want to say thank you.
If we don’t quit...we win!
Psalm 34
I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.
I live and breathe God;
if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy:
Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out.
God met me more than halfway,
he freed me from my anxious fears.
Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him.
When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.
God’s angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.
Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to him.
Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.
Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God.
Come, children, listen closely;
I’ll give you a lesson in God worship.
Who out there has a lust for life?
Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?
Guard your tongue from profanity, and no more lying through your teeth.
Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace—don’t let it get away!
God keeps an eye on his friends,
his ears pick up every moan and groan.
God won’t put up with rebels; he’ll cull them from the pack.
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.
If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there;
if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.