It’s times like these—the unexpected pains, the unplanned detour, the unannounced upset—that make me realize how lucky I am. Oh I know we don’t believe in luck, but God’s good hand of providence. But sometimes the word luck just makes you feel special. It captures the seemingly random blessing we do nothing to deserve. It means having unexpected good fortune. Believe it or not, that’s how I feel about my recent health crisis. It took a malignant tumor to emphatically underscore how incredibly blessed I am!Saul the zealot turned Paul the apostle understood this concept of blessed bummers. God foretold that He had selected Paul as a fortunate man who would experience triumph through trials. The Lord said, “He is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16).
It is my joy to testify that each morning, as I rise; I experience God’s incredible faithfulness. He has been good to me every moment of my life, not just the fun ones. And in the evening, as I recline, I’m acutely aware of God’s especial grace and kindness to me…much more apparent than in prosperity.
David understood that walking in long shadows highlighted goodness and mercy as his lifelong companions from God. They would join the Psalmist beside still waters of refreshing or scary encounters with enemies. I’m blessed to share the purposeful pain these saints enjoyed. I have joy for this journey and anticipate that great doors of opportunity will open along the way. My cup overflows!
Something Matthew Henry wrote helps me frame unexplained pain. Once, when he was accosted by thieves and robbed of his wallet he wrote these words in his diary: "Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because, although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, and not someone else."
Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes. They have been treasures.
Love,
Lenya
Praise the Lord that you are home now Lenya. It is always exciting to see what God has in store for us. Even through difficult times, we can be sure He is there with us. You are a mighty woman of God whom He will use during this time. Thank you for allowing us into your life at this time and showing us by example, God's peace and love in your life. Rest up sister!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLenya, I was privileged to pray with a lady one day in church. She had a lot of pain, so her daughters asked a couple of us from the prayer room to go out to her in the sanctuary. After praying, I asked her why she thought Jesus was allowing her to suffer this pain and her answer brings tears to my eyes even now. She quietly answered, "Because He loves me."
ReplyDeleteLove,
Deborah
Lenya, what an incredible woman of God you are...tears are streaming down my face as I read your comments. What a source of encouragement and comfort you are to many who are suffering, showing how to walk down that road with strength and joy and an assurance of faith.Your joy in the midst of this trail is humbling--and inspiring. May He continue to strengthen you and sustain you in the days to come. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace. May His great mercy and grace overtake you today. Avi and I have not ceased to pray for you since first we heard, and will continue to pray. Thank God for all who are praying even now for you, that you might know His love and peace. In Christ's great love,
ReplyDeleteCatherine Fuerst
Lenya you are truly one blessed woman
ReplyDeletewe love you rick and linda martin
praying without ceasing 4u
glad God is answering prayers in skip and your lives.
ReplyDeletelove you and will keep praying
hope you are doing okay
love rick and linda
hugs and prayers for today
ReplyDelete