The Lion's Den

We have sufferings now. But the sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the great glory that will be given to us. Romans 8:18

Most of the time, I really don't want to hear this verse. It so goes against my flesh to agree to suffer even if it is for greater glory...what does that even mean? Then I hear a whisper, "Jesus.”

Yes, Jesus. You are worth it all. My heart knows and must wrestle with and remind my flesh.

Our families - our children are worth it. Jesus would do what we do, out of His great love for them.

Those of us who have been chosen to love like that may have to lean in a little harder, surrender a little more, pray a bit more intensely, remember His promises and reach out for each other AND it is so worth it. I still have not gotten good at "rejoicing in times of trial..." But I am getting better at remembering who I am ultimately serving and the reward of doing so.

There are a few key things that help me to stay forward focused, able to press on.

1.     There’s purpose.  In everything I have experienced in life, good and bad, it was used to grow me into understanding that prepared me for the next seasons to come.

2.     There’s peace.  My willingness to press in even when things do not make sense, opens the doorway to resting that I cannot experience if I do it all in my own strength.

3.     There’s immovable Jesus.  Who God is, never changes.  The purpose and peace He gives generously roots me into His grace.  With that grace, I live beyond my feelings. 

With Jesus, we can be placed into the most uncomfortable and scary situations.  We can trust that God will cover us with His wing and journey alongside us as we walk with our children guiding them out of fear and into God’s light.