Losing but Gaining
Today’s devotion was written by one of my longest blogging friends, Vicki at Windows to My Soul. Vicki was the very first person I ‘met’ in bloggy land. The below devotion was first published on her site in June and is used with permission to republish on Laced with Grace. Thank you Vicki for allowing me to use this post.
“…this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”~ 1 Peter 5:12
It can be a frightening prospect to lose control and let God have His way with us when we’re in crisis. But the Lord moves in gentleness and peace. He can be trusted. While we come to the end of our own soul-strength (giving up our panic-driven struggle to stay afloat) the Holy Spirit makes the life of Christ within us a deeper reality as we depend on Him.
The cheerfulness of others seems ironic when I’m lost in pain, or overwhelmed with the unfairness of earthly living. Aw, but that’s all a moot point when my heavenly gaze is restored. What if no one understands my plight? The Lord is mine.
And yet this is a death process – losing my grip on earthly attachments, surrendering self. We talk so much about death and losses, but there’s a profound resurrection: joy and peace in the One who longs to live His strong life in us.
If you’re a friend to someone who is suffering losses, be sensitive and caring. Let the person grieve, lament, complain, even resist at first. There may be vocal despair as she comes to the end of herself. Our job is not the pep talk or reprimand. God bless the person who comes alongside us in heartache, praying when we cannot, loving us when we feel most unlovable, and ministering when we’re nearly nonfunctional.
Feeling reduced of all strength, God meets us in our extremity. I find over and over again, no matter my trial, His strength undergirds me.
Blessings, Vicki
Very beautiful.
Vicki, this is so spot on! The last thing someone needs is a lecture or platitude. Someone to listen, hold their hand and pray. Just being there is comforting. It doesn’t fix anything, but it brings solace to sorrowful.
So glad you shared this with us today.
Blessings.
Vicki, thank you for sharing with us this morning. Your words are so true…Laurie
Thanks, ladies. And thank you, Iris! Laced With Grace is a beautiful ministry and you’re a sweet friend.
My prayer is that we’ll sense Jesus more and more in our daily lives, whether we feel afflicted or joyful, because “He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” (1 Cor.1:30). Halleluiah for His life! …and for my precious sisters in Christ.
Thank you so much for sharing this. God bless
Your last sentence says it all….