"If He were to deal with us always as He does sometimes, we should faint outright and go down hopelessly to the gates of death... Bear up, for the Lord will bear you up and bear you through. He who made you knows how frail you are and how little you can bear. He will handle tenderly that which He has fashioned so delicately. Therefore, be not afraid because of the painful present, for it hastens to a happy future."
- Charles Spurgeon
Spurgeon captured what God is like. He doesn't always deal with us as he does sometimes. He knows we couldn't handle it. Spurgeon titled this devotional "What is Painful Will End." I know Ian can hear us; he was responding today to Mary reading long portions of Scripture by moving a lot. Don't be "afraid [Ian] because of the painful present, for it hastens to a happy future."
We're not sure about the move tomorrow. They're still working on stabilizing some things. Keep praying for Ian...
Steve
6 comments:
praying
Steve,
Your quote from Spurgeon reminded me of a verse that I cling to in times of trouble:
Psalm 103:8-14 "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust."
As God is teaching you things in this time, I am certain that He is also maturing Ian. How patience must be growing in a man who can see, hear and understand, but who cannot express himself or care for himself.
I had complications after surgery once - I could not speak, move or talk. But I was totally aware of my surroundings, the people and their concerns over my condition. Some spoke about me as if I was not there - like an intimate object - but I was there and I was aware. You are doing the right thing in communicating with Ian.
And we trust that God will continue to give Ian and all of you the grace that you all need through this time.
John Q
Steve: Thanks for the great quote from Spurgeon. I continue to pray for Ian's recovery and for you and the rest of your family. -tim
I'm praying for Ian.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
Psalm 30:5~
For His anger is but for a moment, but in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning!
Praying hard for you all.
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