Laced With Grace – Christian Devotions

For Such a Time as This

By Ann Van Hine July 19, 2016 Faith, Hope, Inspirational, Prayer, Reflection

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I hope you don’t mind but I wanted you share with you a few thoughts from my experience of having a personal loss in the midst of a national tragedy. My husband was one of the firefighters killed in the line of duty on September 11, 2001. I share these thoughts not to bring attention to my story but to remind us as we try to make sense of the tragic events of the last 6 months – Brussels, Orlando, Dallas, Nice now Baton Rouge and as well as the hard stuff in our own lives, God is still God. God can be trusted and He is good.

  • God is still in control. God isn’t surprised or absent. God weeps with us and for us.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 NIV

 

  • I stayed up all night on September 11, 2001 so I could see the sunrise because the word tells us “Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” The sun rose on September 12 as it does every morning.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

 

  • I am called to hope not cope. The difference is so much more than a single letter.

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Words by Edward Mote (1797-1874) and others Music by Francis Blight (PRS)

 

  • Prayers, Petitions + Thanksgiving = Peace

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4 -7

 

May we be fervent in prayer. May we not grow weary in being salt and light. May we be Jesus’ hands and feet for “such a time as this.”

in Him,

Ann

5 thoughts on “For Such a Time as This”

  1. Marsha

    Excellent words of encouragement, Ann. I think there is much for all of us to learn From you and your grief journey.

  3. Katie

    My mom is in hospice, and these words and scriptures are a great encouragement as we go through this painful time. Thank you Ann.