Let’s admit it: Life can be really hard.
We all go through storms and trials and difficulties in life. We all experience loss and tragedy and suffering. Why are we made to go through hardship? Why can’t we live a life without any disruptions to our peace and happiness?
It’s been said that fruit does not grow on mountaintops, but in valleys—and that’s true in a spiritual sense. God’s endgame for our lives is not to make them problem-free but to mold us into the image of Jesus—to make us more like Him. One of the ways He accomplishes that is to allow crises in our lives.
Take It from This Family
I’ve been reading through a really helpful book by my friend Tony Evans. Tony lost his wonderful wife Lois not long ago, and he’s written a book about it called Divine Disruption. What makes this book unique is that it is not only authored by Tony but by his four children as well: Chrystal, Priscilla, Anthony and Jonathan—all of whom are in ministry and serving the Lord.
Focusing on the difficult departure of their wife/mother, the Evans family talks honestly, candidly and insightfully about their pain, and how God has used the bad in their circumstances to bring forth good. The subtitle says it all: Holding on to Faith When Life Breaks Your Heart.
There’s one passage from Tony in this book I found particularly resonant:
“I would love to tell you that God always swoops down to rescue us from every struggle, but that isn’t true. He does, however, promise to be with us in our troubles. So don’t give up. Catastrophe is the time to run into God’s arms, not away from them.
“These are not just words from a preacher in the pulpit. They are from me—a man who became an orphan and a widower in the same year. Each day I wait upon the Lord for new strength, trusting in His mercy, weaving the pieces of my life together with Him. Sometimes I get tired and all I can bring myself to do is walk. But as long as He walks with me, I will not faint.”
Some powerful words from someone who has lived through crisis.
My Recommendation
If you or someone you know has lost a loved one, or it feels like your “normal” has been disrupted by heartache, I recommend you get this book. I think it will really minister to you and will remind you that God is on your side. He will get you through the pain and in the end, you will be more like Jesus.
This month, we’re happy to send you a copy of Divine Disruption for your gift of any size to Harvest Ministries. Whatever you send will be used to bring the gospel to people that need to hear it and bring words of hope to those who are feeling hopeless.
God is at work, even when we are in pain. What may seem like a disruption to you is actually part of the work He is doing inside of you. {eoa}
For the original article, please visit harvest.org.
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