Thursday, July 16, 2009

God is Near at All Times!

Back in the fall, one of my online Christian sisters posted a prayer request for a family in Canada whose 14 year old daughter had been murdered. She was walking home one afternoon and was murdered in broad daylight. The daughter's father happens to be a Baptist minister. I remember reading news articles about the incident. I sent a card to the family because this weighed so very heavily on my heart. I've wondered, on and off over the months, how this family was coping. Well, just the other day, my on-line sister posted an update.

Here is a link to another blogger who interviewed the father, Terry Stauffer.

http://www.challies.com/archives/interviews/god-gives-strength-as-needed-an-interview-with-terry-stauffer.php

I wanted to copy and paste part of it here but my silly computer is not letting me do that this a.m. I hope you will take a few minutes to read the interview as it is a moving piece. The article has helped me to see that God is much bigger than me and that He provides strength to those in need. I often wonder how, when tragic things happen in our lives...how one copes? I admit, my life has been pretty easy compared to loosing a child. I know in my heart that God will give strength, His words ring true!!! But, as a mom with kids..I don't know how I would make it on my own without God's strength.

" He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." ~ Isaiah 40:29

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." ~ Psalms 31:24

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength" ~ Philippians 4:12, 13

All these thoughts this week have reminded me of a card I made up when I was at my mom's. She had just had knee surgery and I was up there helping. She had set out some scrapbook papers, etc, on the bed and said I could create and play and make up a few cards. Well, you know me, I couldn't turn down that offer! So, here is a card I made at that time. I think it fits so well with all these thoughts....when we don't know where God is...or we are so consumed by our pain...He is there and comes and searches out for us!



I hope that no matter what you are going through today, that you will find strength in God's promises and if you can't find Him, that you will let Him find you! He will!

4 comments:

peggysue said...

Oh Beth this story just brings tears to my eyes. What a powerful witness to the strength that God alone can provide. I would pray that if faced with a similar situation I would lean on the Lord as much as this family has done. Thanks for sharing it.

Linda Borneman said...

Amen, sister, Amen! The Lord is forever faithful, even when we don't see Him...we just have to continue to walk by faith, not by sight! Great interview, BTW -- so inspiring!

Traci M said...

Beth, I am really thankful you added this story to your blog...it is one we could all benefit so much from in this temporary walk of faith in this world today!!
And your card is wonderful too, I have that stamp, and love it!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update! I have left a little something for you here http://cropnotesandcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/07/ninas-award.html so stop by and pick it up when you have time.