"It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes." (Psalm 119:71)
Ian's coma is good thing. Ian's wreck was a good thing. The difficulty that we are going through is a good thing. Anything that points us to Christ can only be a benefit. It may not seem like it, but we can confidently declare with the Psalmist, "it is good that I am afflicted, that I may know you better!"
We've seen God in ways we never would have imagined. We've been given the amazing opportunity to learn to rely on and trust in God's character like we couldn't have otherwise. We have a greater reason to pray more fervently. We've gained a greater appreciation for Christ's church. We've seen God's care for us. We've seen several thousand (literally!) people pray to our God. Through this very trying time, we've come to know God to a greater degree.
Although we don't always see it, we know that God is working this for our good. We have a great Savior who shows himself greater through hard times. Keep praying to this God of surpassing worth!
-Ben
See also: Psalm 119:36-37, Romans 8:28
3 comments:
Ben and family and friends,
Thank you for being so positive through this. It is so encouraging to read day after day about Ian's life before this hardship and still encouraging of how each of you write. Thanks for encouraging me to pray so fervently for Ian! I know it has definitley given me something to hope for and pray more about! God bless you!!! Thank you! ~Jen(Sarah Hall's friend)
Hi my name is Rachael Szewczyk and I go to Providence Church in Pittsburgh and heard of this website through a fellow church member back in Oct. I just wanted to say that I have been praying for Ian and that I truly admire all the steadfast faith that Ian's family and Larissa has during this very very difficult time. I really enjoyed this last entry "It IS Good We Are Afflicted" and I just wanted to let Ian's family and Larissa know that I admire how you have turned such a difficult and hard time into something that is bringing you closer to God. And also that i am keeping Ian and family in my prayers
praying,
Rachael
Providence Church of Pittsburgh
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17
Ben,
What eternal blessings God is pouring into your heart at such an early age; that He would teach you the true meaning of suffering under God's loving hand! Blessed are you, Benjamin Bar-Stephen, for "flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven." Your response of obedient submission is evidence of God's grace and the fruit of the Spirit in your life.
Hold fast to these lessons for they will serve you well and will hold you fast to God.
And we continue to pray for Ian's complete healing, while we rejoice in the example of the Murphy family and Larissa. You point us toward God!
God, thank you for saving Ian! Thank you for sparing his life! Thank you for the progress we see in Ian; although it seems slow to us, the progress is undeniable. Please complete Your healing of Ian, and of doing Your good work in the Murphy family and Larissa, and the rest of us who have been touched by this situation. Thank You!
God is good, all the time!
John Q
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