Tornadoes this Side of Oklahoma

Trial and tribulation doesn't always come in the form of tsunami waves and tornado winds.

In the world we know as real-life and day-to-day monotony, our struggles and strains are the simple moment-to-moment, breath-by-breath ordinary what's-the-big-deal issues. They're the little irritants that side swipe us throughout the day one-by-one with no respite in between. And some of us simply call them Mondays:

1. running behind schedule

2. arguing children in the backseat

3. a long evening of homework

4. one too many grocery store stops on the list

5. a depleted bank account

6. that stack of unpaid bills

7. unfinished chores

8. clogged sinks and hair filled drains

9. unbearable physical ailments

10. minor aches and pains

11. the coffee pot overflowing at 5:30am

12. that phone call from the school

13. a flashing red engine light

14. the almost empty, out-of-date milk jug in the midst of preparing mac-n-cheese

15. four bald tires

16. the report card

17. an eleven-year-old growing too fast and all of a sudden having nothing to wear Monday morning (and his nothing to wear is far unlike my nothing to wear)

18. a vacuum cleaner that blows dust about the house

19. the drawer that needs fixed- for several months now

20. a job that just keeps taking more than it gives

21. poison oak

22. waiting expectantly for a missing cat to come home

23. a bad hair day (admit it, it's distracted you more than once)

24. the number on the scale or the size on the tag

25. ph levels in the pool

26. a rebellious child

27. dusty book shelves

30. failing at people pleasing

31. far away family slowly losing a loved one

32. a hubby who works graveyard

33. and then volunteers during the day

34. and then thinks he can survive off of 5 hours of sleep

35. a small list of discouragement that could continue endlessly.

But praise God it doesn't!!! Seriously, I had to make myself stop. It was getting depressing. Because honestly everything on this list I've either experienced or am experiencing.

Did you feel like some of them weren't worth mentioning? I did. Number 11? Really? Does it truly deserve a place on the list? YES! Because if you're up at 5:30, then I know you need coffee. And if the coffee pot overflowed all over the counter rather than into the pot, then you know you needed coffee to fix the coffee mishap. But you didn't have any coffee. Because it overflowed all over the kitchen. And now what? Can you really read your devotional, and intercede without a cup-a-joe?

And then we turn on the radio. It echoes of school shootings and school buildings collapsing on helpless children. We feel guilt and shame. We experience anger and mull over questions. Why are those parents being subjected to this? Why them and not me? What if it were my child? Lord, help me to be more thankful!

And our trials begin to look so insignificant and selfish. We place them next to the worst of tragedies and what appeared overwhelming is only a minor diversion; a small distraction compared to the grandest of nightmares.

But is our nightmare any less frightening simply because another's is more terrifying? Does one mother's plea in childbearing pain lessen another's merely because her pain cuts deeper?

The struggles and wrestlings you are going through do not evaporate when devastation hits on the other side of the country. You are a mom going through trials of your own. She is a mom facing heartache you've never been asked to bear. Both are moms. Both are struggling. One mama's unbearable anguish doesn't lessen another's. It only reminds us that life is hard in Oregon, Oklahoma, India, and in the seats of our own kitchen tables and minivans.

Have you ever noticed what Jesus said would choke the Word He puts in us? Is it the devil? No- "the cares of this world." It is always our little worries.

~Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

We watch the storms of the desert roll on in gruesome destruction while stumbling over the bumps of Oregon's dirt roads. We walk them and run them, and we trip over them. They're not being torn up by raging wind, but they're tearing up the knees of moms falling face first over misplaced Legos and piles of clean laundry thrown into careless heaps on the floor.

And when we can't pay that water bill, we can remember the God who separated the sea and split the rock. Seriously, water has never been an issue for the one who spoke it into existence.

Casting our care upon Him because He cares for us is knowing He's mindful. He's paying attention. He's thinking and considering your anxieties and apprehensions. He's aware of the unemployed one feeling rejection after rejection. The one wanting only to give up and believe the lies. And massive tempests and colossal currents do not lessen His thoughts toward you. Our God is never so engaged with another's affliction that He disregards your distress.

Take it to Him, sisters!

The Lamb who died to save is the Shepherd who lives to care for us. ~Our Daily Bread

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Broken Bread and Poured-Out Wine

"Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." ~Luke 22:31-32

He told Peter that Satan had asked for him. He said he wanted to sift him; to try his faith and make him waver. In fact, he wanted to sift them all, but it was to Peter that He offered comfort. However, it wasn't the comfort Peter may have anticipated. He offered the hard kind of comfort. The comfort that isn't visible until the folding back of time and the looking through eyes that see the end from the beginning.

Jesus knew the outcome. Jesus knew Peter's heart. He knew this one was a rock, and He trusted this friend of His. Peter indeed would be sifted because the Father would allow it, and not even the angels could prevent it. But even in this- even in the sifting and the testing, Jesus lived to intercede. "But I have prayed for you." And what other comfort is there?

Do I need deliverance from the fire if Jesus has already prayed me through the flames? The Beloved Son- He gets what He wants! He makes His requests to the Father, and the Father hears His every word. "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail."

He didn't pray that Peter would not fail. Peter had already failed and Peter would fail again. And again. He was just a man after all. No, He prayed that Peter's faith should not fail. To look away from the Strong Man is to feel the depths of raging storm and waves.  

What does this do to a fearful, failing, flailing follower? Sinking, and stumbling, saying what you shouldn't say, and thinking what you shouldn't think. It leaves a man broken, beaten, and defeated. But maybe it's through the failure of a weak and weary follower that we see the power and faithfulness of an ever-present God. In the midst of deep water, we experience the salvation of those arms; arms that are not shortened. Arms that can save even to the uttermost.  Peter came to understand what Jesus does with such a man.

That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ~1 Peter 1:7

And Peter came to know the danger of the devouring enemy; an enemy that seeks to destroy. An enemy that asks for us by name, and accuses us night and day.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. ~1 Peter 5:8-10

And who doesn't want to be perfected, established, strengthened, and settled? Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die. I'd add to that- everyone wants to be holy but no one wants to experience the refining process. Just as gold must be immersed in harsh chemicals and put through extreme temperatures in order to remove all its impurities , we too must face difficulties and trials because it is the testing of our faith that produces patience. And when patience has its perfect work in us, it produces perfection and completeness, that we may lack nothing.  (James 1:3-4)

"But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

Is there ever reason to doubt the purpose behind the sifting? Satan asks permission and our Protector either grants him a short leash or all together refuses his request. In the end, when the impurities are expelled, and the surface reflects the Son, will we strengthen our brethren? Because every temptation is common among men. When we've been through the sifting, we will find that  "…He may make us broken bread and poured-out wine with which to feed others." We become the one our sister needs for holding up weary hands while the battle rages on in bloody uncertainty.

So beloved sister, don’t think it's strange that you are being tried in this fiery furnace. Don't look at it as some strange thing that is happening to you and you alone. Rather, rejoice! Rejoice that He gave Satan that short leash and remember that leash is never longer than His strong arm. Delight in the knowledge that He sees fit to immerse you into the depths of pain, uncertainty, and doubt. Not because you are able, and He only gives you what you are capable of enduring. No, delight that you, the one weak and incapable, will be strengthened by the One who is adequately sufficient to supply all your need. Because when the temperatures reach their peak, you, yes you, shall come out as gold.

…though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him…   ~Hebrews 5:8-9

And while you are being made perfect, and your faith is growing ever stronger, because He lives to plead on your behalf, you may not even be aware of the outward change that is occurring. And the reflection of His Glorious Son shall shine as bright as the stars making some coward in your presence- because His presence has taken up residency. Don't cover it up as Moses did. Let the sifter sift, the impurities recede, and the Sufficient One satisfy your holy need.

Should the Lord say to our enemy… "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." …will we trust our Protector's perfect plan?

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,

And He who formed you, O Israel:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by your name;

You are Mind.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

Nor shall the flame scorch you.

~Isaiah 43:1-2

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FMF~ My Mama

What makes my mama unique from any other? Her uniqueness is not found in food, laughing, dancing, or even in storytelling. (I really laughed out loud at those descriptions.) Her uniqueness is found in the difficult, lonely, and mundane events.

It’s a mom’s worst nightmare. A sick, hurting baby, and a refusal from the medical world to offer answers. Days turned to weeks and weeks to months and this tiny infant was only getting worse. And my fearful mama was dealing with it alone. She comforted and caressed, but even the love of a faithful mama cannot mend a broken body.

Doctor after doctor turned her away, and she sought the only one left to listen: Almighty God. His answer came through a young intern. The most unexpected and under qualified used that stethoscope and the ears of God to hear the imperfection within. There was something wrong with the heart, and surgery was impertinent.

No mama could ever imagine her nine-month-old whisked away; being wheeled into that cold room to be cut wide open, heart completely removed from the struggling little body. And my mama’s heart was broken along with my own. Yet, in the brokenness she found comfort and hope in a God she hadn’t seen, but desperately cried out to.

Flash forward over half a decade and you’d find her rushing to the stage at the front of a gymnasium to rescue her scared little girl from the eyes of hundreds of onlookers. Or you’d glimpse her tediously pedaling an old bicycle, infant seat attached, determined to get her baby girl to a birthday party. We stayed only long enough to offer a gift and there we went, peddling back home. I think she knew I’d be too shy to stay, too scared to be left alone.

Years later, on the day of my 14^th birthday, there was my faithful mama, comforting me in a post-op hospital room. I was throwing up, I was in pain, and the jello only made me nauseous. The dry heaves were unbearable. She arrived in my room famished, carrying a grease covered bag of deep fried food and carbs. No, it wasn’t for me, and no I wasn’t supposed to have it, but one look at my face and she quickly handed over her only meal. Nothing was said to the hospital staff.

I know this is supposed to be a five minute response, but who can reminisce about a mama for only five minutes? I could go on and on. Couldn’t you? She’s always been there for me and she continues to be my mama, even at the age of 33. Just yesterday she offered comfort only a mama can insisting I use her pillow as I lay useless on the couch in a sick heap. No, she’s not perfect. Yes, we’ve had our struggles, and yes, there were times I doubted her mothering abilities (she’d be the first to admit she’s no chef, and I recall numerous visits to Little Caesar’s and Arby’s for dinner).   

How is my mom unique from any other?  She’s a rescuer. She’s compassionate and all heart. Her love is effortless and sacrificial. She’s a helper- sometimes an over-the-top and a you’re-not-letting-them-learn-from-their-mistakes-and-difficulties kind of helper, but a helper nonetheless. And I love this mama of mine like I love no other.  

You’ve always loved me, Mom. You’re heart has been broken and mended even as mine has. Yet, you continue to willingly hand it over without question or hesitation. Thank you, Mom!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today’s your turn. What did your mama do that makes her your mama? Let’s unpack those memories today. Let’s trace our fingers along the lines of the unexpected. The ordinary beauty in a day of motherhood. The food or the laughing or the dancing or the story telling.

Where is your memory buried?

In just five minutes. Tell me all about what your mama did that made her yours….
{and don’t forget to spend some time commenting on the post of the person who linked up just before you}

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My Girl

What am I building in my children? What do I hope to instill in them now and in the future? I suppose the answers can vary from one child to the next and from one season to another, depending on the battles they’re fighting and the lessons they’re learning.

Korrie, I’m thinking about you today! Been thinking about you all morning as a matter of fact. Some day, when you have children of your own, you’re going to look back on these years and understand why your mother was such a lunatic. Some day you will watch your own children walk through these same flames and say, “Wow, how did my mamma do that?” Some day you will spend all day thinking about your child and praying because in those flames, that’s all you’ll be able to do. And some day you will reflect on these moments and thank God for such a wonderful mamma (ok, you may never do that last one, but I can certainly hope, right! J)

I know you had a rough morning and you know I tried to encourage you, telling you not to cry, telling you “EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE OKAY, KORRIE!” But I know you didn’t believe me. That’s alright; I have to say it anyways because in the end, everything WILL be okay.

After you worked so hard, putting everything you had into that silly project, I knew you were proud of yourself. I could see the satisfaction of a job well done (even though you waited ‘til the last minute… yea, that whole procrastination thing…. sorry about that… I would have much rather passed on my love for shoes, handbags, or french manicures… but it turns out you got none of that). You not only completed the task, you completed it well! I love seeing that in you! Remember the poem we used to quote over and over when you were little:

All that you do, do with your might.

Things done by halves, are never done right.

I think there was more to it, but I recall reinforcing those specific words year after year. So after you put everything you had into it, and then you dropped it on hard, cold concrete, I know you thought the world stopped spinning. There was glass everywhere, a missing moth, and several insects now without adequate legs and body parts. Um….. are you sure insects can’t have just four legs? Looking back now, you know what I love about this whole ordeal? YOU!

What’s important to me? What do I seek to build in you? What do I desire to watch God teach you? Character. That’s my answer in this season for you. I’ve listened to you cry. I’ve watched your tears of frustration, and ached as you’ve dealt with hurt feelings, and learned from your own poor choices. I’ve watched you turn in repentance and begin to come willingly to a God and a mom who loves and supports you. I am seeing you laugh and love and enjoy these years! Your teenage years!

So when you freak out and get upset because your project is ruined and you’re bound to get a failing grade, I rejoice! I rejoice that you care enough to freak out and get so upset. I rejoice that you’re real enough to let the tears fall. I know how impossible it is at times to have such strong emotions over the smallest of things (again, this mama is guilty for passing that one on), but please don’t forget that God gave you those emotions. He has bestowed in you a heart that cares about your grades; a heart that sees another in pain and aches as they ache; a heart that questions her own actions when a friend lashes out on you for no apparent reason; a heart that reflects a Creator who loves you passionately and unconditionally. And that love He has for you- it does not cease when you turn in a dismantled insect project- because that love is a love like no other; a love you cannot earn; a love you cannot lessen; a love that is not moved or shaken by any storm or flame you encounter.

Remember Korrie, in this world, you are guaranteed trials. You WILL walk through flames and storms. The question is, how will you come out on the other side? What or who will your character reflect? Trials are ok! And in the midst of those trials, never forget that “EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE OKAY, KORRIE!” Because He’s got you in the palm of His hand, He knows the beginning from the end, His plans for you are perfect, and this mom supports you. Always!

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,

Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Proverbs 21:1

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Seeing Beyond These Walls

I worry about paying bills. My heart grows anxious over who might become my childrens’ future spouses. I am engulfed with dread as I envision them leaving home someday. I agonize over what clothing I will wear or what to make for dinner. I grow frustrated at myself for not being more dedicated, determined, consistent, and faithful. I want life to be easier. I wait for the difficulties to pass and wallow in what I have allowed myself to think are 'trials and tribulations.'

Meanwhile, a precious sister weeps over the devastating murder of her dear friend. Children in Uganda are abducted and made into sex objects and deadly soldiers. A husband and father faces death only because he chose Jesus as his Lord and Master.

Millions suffer starvation from lack of simple resources I take for granted. Families are left with nothing more than the clothes on their backs because of the effects of a deadly tornado. A man suddenly loses his wife and newborn; in one day he is made a widow and single dad.

My worries- they begin to fade. My anxieties- they really don’t compare. My frustration- it is redirected toward the meaningless hatred, the death, and the consequences of sin in the world. My prayers- they are turned from my selfish desires to those in need of the comfort, provision, and grace of a Savior.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so

fulfill the law of Christ.

~Galatians 6:2

The Silver Lining

I don’t mean to be a Debby Downer going on and on about my family’s struggles and heartaches, but let’s face it, life is hard, and sometimes we need to know that it’s just as hard for others as well.  We also need to glimpse that silver lining; to know that somewhere in what seems an impossible, unrelenting tempest, there’s hope, and light is shining through those dark clouds.

Lately I’ve been walking one of the most difficult paths, facing a storm whose strength is unlike any other I have encountered. The waves are crashing in, knocking me down, taking every ounce of joy, comfort, and life I possess; leaving me exhausted and sorrowful. This storm- seeing my girl face life for the first time.

I can’t bear to see the wounds! I can’t endure the pain she’s facing! I want to take every tear, every disappointment, every moment of loneliness, and carry it for her! But I can’t, and this scares me.

As we sat quietly, listening to her share, and cry, and cry some more, I couldn’t help but weep myself. It was such a relief to see her finally open up. What a blessing to hear the heart of my baby girl. But it tore me in half listening to the pain. She’s hurting! She’s facing life’s struggles, and those struggles are no longer as simple as choosing which cereal to eat for breakfast or what color to paint her nails. My girl is encountering trials, and these trials are not short lived, but will continue to challenge her for years to come.

Where’s the silver lining here? These struggles she’s facing- I’ve faced them time and again. The loneliness she’s experiencing- I’ve experienced it so often myself. Those feelings of hopelessness; that sense of being alone and having no one who can relate- I know that feeling! I can empathize with my daughter’s season of sadness because I have faced these seasons myself; and this is my silver lining.

However, a fourteen year old struggles to find comfort in her mother’s wisdom or in the fact that Jesus Christ faced similar trials and felt similar pain. I have no magic words that will wipe away the hurt or shorten the storm. I cannot take away the grief, lessen the sorrow, or remove her from the trial. What I can do is be there to listen, remind her that she’s loved, and pray with her and for her. I have set an alarm on my phone at a precise time each day; at a time when my girl faces her struggles; at a time I anticipate God will speak to her, comfort her, and use her to reach out to others.

I’m here for you. I’m listening to your struggles. I feel your pain. I am praying you through this. I love you <3

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Perfection & Holy Intention

Speech Meet. These two simple words stir many emotions in me as a mom.

Every year the school my kids attend involve their students in a Speech Meet. Each child is given a poem, or portion of scripture to memorize. When the big day rolls around, the students take turns standing before a group of parents and judges presenting their speech with hopes of moving on to the actual Speech Meet, which consists of numerous kids from various schools.

Last year my son (who was a 4^th grader) was given the cutest, funniest poem about a stomach ache. He practiced, rehearsed, and worked hard to prepare for the big day. When that day came, let me tell you, I WAS SO NERVOUS FOR HIM! I’m definitely more of an introvert, and my son tends to follow in my footsteps when it comes to speaking in large groups.

I took my seat and watched as student after student bravely stood before us. You can always tell which children are comfortable facing a crowd and which are not. Most did a wonderful job; so many proud parents that day. However, when it came to my son, things didn’t go so well. You see, when you have a last name like Wafer, you are placed in the back of the line. This doesn’t work out so well for the child who has a fear of public speaking because they get to sit there far too long, watching in horror as friends attempt what seems impossible. Your mind dwells on the fear of the unknown, and soon you become overwhelmed.

This is what happened to my son. Even as I type, my stomach is in knots and I feel sick. I wanted to take his place so desperately. But I couldn’t. When his turn came he was overtaken with fear to the point of sobbing tears. He was so upset that he was unable to go before the crowd and I was devastated. So devastated in fact, I could do nothing but remain in my chair praying for him. Thankfully another teacher (this year’s 5^th grade teacher) gently talked with him, encouraged him, and prayed with him.

I’m not sure how things would have played out had it not been for her, but a couple speeches later, my brave son got in front of that crowd and conquered one of his greatest fears. He looked so handsome in his button up shirt and tie. He recited that poem perfectly, through sob after sob. Many would say it was a complete failure, but I saw absolute success. I saw a 9 year old boy so afraid of the unknown and terrified to the point of defeat set aside that fear long enough to do the impossible. And I was so proud of him!

Joseph and his 5th grade teacher (LOVE HER!)

So here we are again. Speech Meet is in two weeks and I am terrified! I don’t think I can endure that scene again. This mama’s heart can’t take it! However, I know God uses the most difficult moments in our lives to make us stronger in Him, and I want nothing less than God’s strength for my son. His speech will not be perfect, and he probably won’t move on to the Big Meet this year either. But through it all, God is and will continue teaching my son, growing my son, and shaping my son into the man He desires him to be. And He will continue allowing my heart to be torn in two, and then mended back together as I watch my children encounter hard times, as I watch my Lord, my children’s Lord, pick them back up time and time again.

God looks not for perfection, but holy intention and I pray my children are intentional about their God, leaning not on a perfection of themselves that cannot be found, but on the excellence which is found only in Christ.

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And if you are interested in participating in an online study through the book of Ephesians, let me know! We would love to have you!

Reflecting on the Past, Anticipating the Future

December 31^st- A representation of endings and new beginnings. In all reality, it’s just another day on the calendar. Nothing magical happens; Fairy Godmothers don’t miraculously appear and no one turns into a pumpkin at midnight. We all know this, yet there remains something special about the New Year. It’s an opportunity to reflect on past decisions and circumstances. Likewise it’s an occasion for making changes and new choices. It’s almost like a second chance at life.

Praise the Lord we have a God that is all about second chances. Not only that, He is all about third, and fourth, and fifth, and tenth, and hundredth, and thousandth chances! Whew! If that’s not enough, our God, full of wonder and surprise, is never surprised or shocked by us, our actions, or our circumstances. Sure, we surprise ourselves. We disappoint ourselves. We let ourselves down. But our God- He’s never shocked. He already saw our substance, being yet unformed. And in His book they all were written, the days fashioned for us, when as yet there were none of them (Ps 139:16).

As we reflect on the past, becoming overwhelmed with dread and regret, our God confidently rejoices in where we’ve been, who we are, and who we’re becoming. He takes our failures and hurts, and works them out for the good because we are called according to His perfect purpose. He foreknew you! He predestined you! He called you to be conformed to the image of His Son! And not only that, whom He called, He also justified, and whom He justified, He also glorified (Rm 8:28-30)! This is NOT future tense! Foreknew, predestined, called, justified, glorified… PAST TENSE! You already ARE. Period.

Still disappointed in your past? Still ashamed of your history? God’s not. As a matter of fact, He sees your past and

anticipates the future because He knows the thoughts He thinks toward you, and those thoughts are of peace and not of evil, thoughts to give you a future and a hope (Jer29:11). How precious are those thoughts toward you. How great is the sum of them! If you should count them, they would be more in number than the sand (Ps139:17-18)!

So as we enter into a New Year and anticipate a new beginning, let us not disregard the good, the bad, and the ugly of our past, because this is forming us into the image of the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.

But you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name

of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.  

-1 Cor 6:11

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Purposeful Parent or Manic Mama Bear

What’s worse than difficulties and trials in life? Watching our children face them. The moment I become aware of my son or daughter being unjustly accused or unfairly treated, I instantly go from peaceful, purposeful parent to manic mama bear. This may be one of the most difficult times for me. If you have children, young or old, you can surely relate. I have to admit I have not always handled these situations as I should! To see my child’s heart broken in such a way breaks my heart and my response is to do everything in my power to remove my child from this situation and fix it. Yep, I’m a fixer.

As a parent however, I strive to look to my Father, my Perfect Parent, as an example of how to deal with such a situation. I find that He protects me, teaches me, and guides me through life’s toughest moments. However, He does not always remove me from them nor does He immediately fix the problem.

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Lk 22:31-32). Here we witness Jesus warning Peter (also called Simon) of an impending trial. There are so many lessons for me in this small warning! 1. Satan must ask permission to sift us. 2. Jesus prays for us. 3. He doesn’t pray that we be taken out of the trial, but prays us through it; that our faith would not fail. 4. He trusts that in the end, we will return to Him. 5. His purpose is that through this experience, we will come out of it more able to strengthen others.   

And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed (Acts 16:23, 25, 40). Paul and Silas were wrongly accused and unjustly thrown into prison. How did they respond? Did they complain and grumble? Did God immediately rescue them or fix the problem? No! Their Perfect Father had perfect intentions: that they would use this trial as an opportunity, and that they would encourage the brethren through it.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (Jas 1:2-4).  Here I find a clear purpose in life’s trials and the word that screams to me- let. I must let the trial have its perfect work in me. I must let the trial have its perfect work in my child. Ouch. Rescuing my son or daughter, fixing all of their difficulties and problems, is not letting God work His flawless purpose in their lives. As Jesus prayed for Peter, as He warned him of a coming difficulty, I too can pray for my children and teach them, train them, and warn them that life is hard, but God is good. I pray for the patience and wisdom to walk my children through life’s struggles as my Father does me. I pray that the purposeful parent in me will not be overcome by a manic mama bear.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which

is to try you, as  though some strange thing happened to you;

but rejoice to the extent  that you partake of Christ’s

sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you

may also be glad with exceeding joy.

-1 Peter 4:12-13