Sunday Encouragement-There Is More To Our Story

Some weeks it feels like I hear one tragic story after another. My heart aches as I hear about pain and suffering.

We have all experienced hurt, and pain, and even loss. We wonder at times, “why do I have to suffer?” 

After losing my Mom, I wondered if the pain of losing her would ever go away? I cried myself to sleep more times than I can count.

It never completely goes away. But through the pain, I have felt God’s peace and his love.  

We need to remember, we aren’t seeing everything. There are things going on behind the scenes that we can’t comprehend on this side of heaven.

1 Corinthians 3:12 says, “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.’

We only see a tiny part of what God is doing in our life, and many times it doesn’t make sense. Why did I lose someone I love? Why is my child suffering? Why am I having health issues?

Sunday Encouragement-There Is More To Our Story
There is more to our story! The hard part for us is remaining faithful even in the midst of difficult seasons. It will all make sense one day.

Several year ago, I heard this song. It was inspired by those words from John Piper, that there are thousands of things happening.

 

If your week has been filled with tears or pain, God hears and he is doing 10,000 things in your life right now.

Have a blessed Sunday!

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  1. Cyndi, Thank you for this lovely post. We were talking about this same thing in Sunday school. Isn’t it funny how the Lord works? I’ve enjoyed reading everybody’s post, learning about all the great things our Lord is doing and working through people.

  2. Important words to hear. I am awaiting a final diagnosis on lung masses an bone lesions-it will not be good news. It has been the longest two weeks of my life to date. There is comfort and a plan beyond my knowing, though. But even with these concerns I can feel the hand of God every day and I know that I am blessed.

  3. This is so beautiful, and so true, Cyndi. We all need to remember that there is nothing – not one thing, that is happening to us in our lives, that our Heavenly Father is not all ready there for us. We are so precious to Him, and so loved, that He knows the number of hairs we have on our body. He ‘knit’ us together in our Mother’s womb and knew us even then. Our joys and sorrows and tears are His also. All of my life, I can see where His hand was guiding and leading me, and even in the times where I foolishly went my own way – He was there for me waiting for me to come to Him. There is not one step, or one breath that I can take without Him. Even in my deepest darkest days, I know He is there with me, showing me the way through.

  4. I love this post and this song! So encouraging! Yes, there is so much more to our stories…
    Thank you for sharing this.

  5. Oh my goodness…..this week has been filled with tears and pain and because of your post I feel now that God has been by my side all week. A very dear friend lost her battle with cancer. At the end of her year of chemo therapy she gathered us into her home and told us of all the miracles the Lord bestowed on her as they struggled to pay for hospital bills, doctor bills and pay their household bills. Then she had a series of colonoscopies and just when we all expected to here her nightmare was over, she told us the cancer had spread to her liver. Another year of chemo was not enough this time and she lost her battle but through it all she felt Gods grace. She was an inspiration to us all and now I feel you somehow knew that too because this post came just at the right time. Thank you

  6. What you said was very inspiring. At our mass, Father spoke of the Holy Trinity and one thing he said was that he sees though our eyes. It was beautiful and it really helped me because so many times I have wondered to myself “why me? why this?” I’ve lost so many things but have gained so much. The things we don’t understand now but will understand in God’s own time will leave us in awe. There is a plan in everything we do, in our choices we make, even if it’s getting milk at the store or even what we say to someone in a conversation. There is a hidden plan for us and God enjoys surprising people.

  7. Cyndi,
    This is exactly what was preached in my church today. It was an amazing sermon by a pastor who has suffered greatly at the loss of his daughter. Later this week, it will be posted on our church’s website, http://www.faclex.com. Look for the title “Shadowlands Sunday”, Speaker Bryon Ethington. Definitely worth a listen.

  8. Your Sunday posts are my favorite! I love the fashion, but it’s the beauty of the heart that comes through on Sundays that I love.

    1. Thank you Cyndi,
      After our home has flooded for the third time in nine days, your words of encouragement couldn’t have come at a more perfect time (yes, I do live in Texas). I needed to be reminded that even though it doesn’t seem like the flood waters are receding, “God is still in control, he is doing 10,000 things behind the scenes we don’t see. I am reminded also of what Corrie Ten Boom said “that there is no hole so deep, that God is not deeper still”. Thank you for your encouragement Cyndi.

  9. Thank you Cyndi for this post, I needed it today, God does have a higher purpose for everything that happens to us:). Have a blessed Sunday

  10. Cindy, this is the best post ever and just what I needed to read before Crawling out of bed this morning. With so much pain and suffering, my life thus far has been like climbing Mt. Everest, but Now i will pull myself up by the proverbial bootstraps, shower, do my hair and makeup and actually go to church. My day is off to an awesome start! God bless you, Cindy.

  11. Thank you Cyndi. This is a wonderful perspective on how to approach pain and suffering in life. It all boils down to will we believe and trust God. We know from the Bible and our own past experiences that he is trustworthy. Thank you so much for your encouraging posts. God bless you.

  12. Thank you for sharing Cyndi, I have to tell myself every day God has a plan for my life and I can’t wait to see the outcome, because there just seems to be a lot of pain and unhappiness right now! We are all blessed to have our Father in Heaven to turn to, we all have to keep the faith, I tell myself that every day too! Have a beautiful Sunday! 🙂

  13. Cyndi, Thank you so much for your post today. God definitely works in mysterious ways! My husband and I have begun the process of moving my elderly mom from her/our home to a gorgeous assisted living community. The dementia is worsening and her doctor suggested this would be so good for her and help improve her memory. I we are getting the normal reactions, so I’ve learned, but telling her about this yesterday was the most difficult conversation I have ever had with my mom. Right now she is mad at God because He hasn’t seen fit to let her just die since she says she has nothing to live for, she’s mad at me, and she’s mad at her doctor. I know that mom still has a lot to offer others and that she needs the socialization. I will appreciate extra prayers as we make this major change in my moms life. I am definitely relying on God and my faith during this very difficult and challenging time.
    Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass with wretch, the flower fade the: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” This has been one of my favorite verses for years.
    God Bless You!

    1. I will pray for you and your mom, Ginger. I will pray that she will be content and satisfied in her new home.

    2. Ginger, I will be praying for you as well. Both my Grandmother ( who basically raised me) & my Dad (who only passed away just over 2 years ago) both had Dementia which progressed into Alzheimer’s. I know and feel your pain. May Father comfort you all, give you His peace and this transition be smooth as He has already gone before you. Keep your eyes on Him. 🙂 Bless you. Xo

      1. Thank you very much Joanne. Out of fear, mom keeps finding things she doesn’t like about the place. Tomorrow I have to tell her she’s really moving and ask her to help me decide what furniture she should take. I don’t want to make all of the decisions, but will if I have too. She lives with us. Becoming the parent is definitely hard!

        1. Ginger, you will probably have to make the decisions for her as ii will be to overwhelming for her. She will be placed somewhere that is not familiar to her. I would keep it simple, her favourite chair, family photos, her favourite cup & saucer. My Grandmother loved music and listening to the radio, so we placed a radio on the coffee table between her bed and chair and would turn it on before we left. It will be very hard for you all but try to stay positive everytime you see her.
          I was told about a book once that was written by a woman here in Australia who had come out of Dementia, I never bought the book & now regret it. She said she knew & understood everything going on around her BUT when she tried to talk back something completely different come out of her mouth which is why they become so frustrated & sometimes why they have to be sedated. I mentioned this to my Grandmother on one of my visits to her & she relaxed & let me talk. I was the only one that did this & when another family member came in & being disrespectful she would get up & leave, so they know.
          Ginger I have already been praying for you & will continue to do so over this next week as I know it will be hard for you. Please let me know if I can pray in any particular way for you than what you’ve already mentioned. Father is with you to strengthen & comfort you & His peace is amazing. Xo

          1. Thank you so much Joanne. It means even more knowing I have someone in Australia praying for me, here in Georgia, outside of metro Atlanta. It helps knowing you understand what I am going through. Right now my moms dementia is not bad enough where she can’t think. I have to get her to sign the lease within the next couple of days, which will be a challenge. Mom has said that she doesn’t want her bedroom here to change, but she needs her furniture in her new apartment. For the past 20+ years, mom has been totally dependent on my husband & me for her socializing and entertainment. I want her to make some friends in her age group, that can relate more to her experiences, current & past. I need prayers that God will give me the right words to say. I know I’m doing the right thing for her. I will also appreciate prayers that my mom will not be so fearful & at least a little willing to give this a try. Several professionals have told us that individuals with dementia don’t like change. I honestly believe that once mom (Dorothy Thomas) gets settled, she will be happy. God Bless!

          2. Oh Ginger, I’m so sorry because I know how hard this is for you to do. I know you’ll be feeling so frustrated and bad knowing you have to do this but be reassured it’s the best for Mum, I get that. Can I ask tho, has anything happened in the last half hour? The reason I say that is I felt very strongly to pray and intercede for you both. I kept praying until I felt breakthrough come. It would have been 5.30pm to 6pm your time. I’m wondering if we should keep using up Cindi’s space for our conversation?! I am happy to give you my email address if you think I can be of anymore help? Just let me know. 🙂 Otherwise I’m more than happy to do what you feel comfortable with.

        2. I am praying for you as you have asked. I love it when Father has already gone before us Ginger, He puts the right (& gentle, loving) words in our mouths to speak, to reduce fear by bringing calm, peace & comfort to all those who need it. I know He’ll be with you, just pray quickly before you speak to her as he’s already prepared the way for you both. He loves you as much as He loves your Mum Dorothy. Stay strong in Him, much love & keep me posted. Xo

          1. Hi Joanne! Well, the talk with my mom did not go well this morning. I was able to be patient, loving, & calm while being firm and honest. I did tell my mom that I pray God will change her attitude so that she will be more willing to give it a try. Mom knows that the move is happening. I am holding on to the hope that after mom gets used to the apartment, she will be happy. And I’m hoping that as I start selecting the furniture, photos, accessories, & kitchen items for her, she will decide to provide input. God bless!

          2. Oh Ginger, I’m so sorry because I know how hard this is for you to do. I know you’ll be feeling so frustrated and bad knowing you have to do this but be reassured it’s the best for Mum, I get that.
            Can I ask tho, has anything happened in the last half hour? The reason I say that is I felt very strongly to pray and intercede for you both. I kept praying until I felt breakthrough come. It would have been 5.30pm to 6pm your time.
            I’m wondering if we should keep using up Cindi’s space for our conversation?! I am happy to give you my email address if you think I can be of anymore help? Just let me know. 🙂 Otherwise I’m more than happy to do what you feel comfortable eith.

  14. Cyndi, I look forward to reading your blog everyday. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement! God bless you and your loved ones.