And it's llloooonnngg gggoonneee!!!

 

After reading the blogs for this chapter I felt like Harry Carry.  Cause man! some of these comments are balls hit out of the park!!

 

I have to weight in on the Beautitudes.  Sorry I'm late.

 

First let me comment on Kelsey's blog. 

You go girl!!!! I praise God for your indepth commentary.

Your greenness to scripture is not showing!!  Your genuine realness is showing and it is refreshing.  Thank you to you and all the gang at GVSU.

 

As far as where is God when the pain and suffering is present.  He is right there showing us, caring for us, lifting us, and interceding for us.  I saw God so much through the tragic loss of Tim.  I praised him that the family didn't have to take him off life support.  I praise the rally of family around baby Jake.   The ultimate gift of course is knowing that Tim is with our Lord.  This world is not heaven.  So Jesus came to show us HOW TO LIVE ON THIS EARTH.  Jesus prepared by praying to his father.  He was tested in the desert by satin.  He learned his  cousin was beheaded.  He did not fall apart in any of those situations, no  "he began his ministry" .  The disciples were clueless yet watched in amazement the healing touch of Jesus.  Then Jesus left the crowd and when up into the mountains and sat down.  I think the beatitudes could of started with NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION!!...blessed are those who are pour in spirit.......hello!!He  understands our suffering better then we understanding ourselves.

So ya I want to help Tim's widow Ginger, and Tim's beautiful baby Jake.  But I take comfort in knowing God knows their needs far better than I could ever understand.  We are not helpless to help those in pain.  Lifting them up in prayer that God intercede is the very best way to help them. 

When you start looking for God in challenging situations

and accepting his will (not your own agenda) it is amazing the walk he will take you on.  So there will be pain and suffering that is a given here on earth.   One of my husband's best friends said the most comforting words,  He said very confidently, remember GOD is still on the throne.  We can handle everything with God on the throne, because we really don't have to handle anything God takes are burdens all we have to do is walk with him.