Enjoyed reading this. May I copy and put this in our church newsletter? I would, of course, post your name and website address. Thank you. Douglas Collins.
Such a relevant reflection for me in my current season in life. What suffering does for me is make me less and less satisfied with this world, and more and more focused on the work of Christ. No, I may never know why anything happens, but as you wrote so eloquently, I do know God is the same before and after my trials.
I love this is so much 💛 This has been such a hard lesson for me to learn and one I’m constantly reminding myself of. Kelly Kapic’s book “Embodied Hope” was such an encouragement.
On a hike with my college-age son who was in the throes of a life-changing tragedy, we came across a massive tree that had given way and was no longer standing tall but growing horizontally across the trail. He noted out loud how it was still living and growing, having shot strong roots into rock and forest floor. He received it as a visual from God, noting that it was not only possible to survive a tragedy that almost fells you but to thrive again—albeit growing in an unanticipated direction. That tree has been a reminder and prompt for faith many times since.
Enjoyed reading this. May I copy and put this in our church newsletter? I would, of course, post your name and website address. Thank you. Douglas Collins.
Definitely! I'm honoured that you would ask!
What a good reminder, "God’s love never changes, and he loves us as much before our trials as he did during and after."
I keep this on repeat in my head, because I so quickly forget it.
really appreciate this one.
I’m so glad it encouraged you 💛
Such a relevant reflection for me in my current season in life. What suffering does for me is make me less and less satisfied with this world, and more and more focused on the work of Christ. No, I may never know why anything happens, but as you wrote so eloquently, I do know God is the same before and after my trials.
I love this is so much 💛 This has been such a hard lesson for me to learn and one I’m constantly reminding myself of. Kelly Kapic’s book “Embodied Hope” was such an encouragement.
I will have to add that to my list!
On a hike with my college-age son who was in the throes of a life-changing tragedy, we came across a massive tree that had given way and was no longer standing tall but growing horizontally across the trail. He noted out loud how it was still living and growing, having shot strong roots into rock and forest floor. He received it as a visual from God, noting that it was not only possible to survive a tragedy that almost fells you but to thrive again—albeit growing in an unanticipated direction. That tree has been a reminder and prompt for faith many times since.