I am sitting in one of the oddest times of my life. Full of joy and deep despair simultaneously. My emotions feel like a termite stuck in a yoyo. I do wonder when this thing is ever going to stop. Yet in the midst of strange, untrustworthy emotions, I find the only stability to be God's Word. After Paul tells us in Romans 8 that God is working in all things for the good of those who are called, he then reminds us that if God is for us then who can be against us? It was the next verse that grabbed my heart and reminded me of all I needed to be reminded.
"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Rom. 8:32)
There is no need in my life that He can or will overlook. If he has provided graciously for all I really need, then whatever worries me today is no worry. If He didn’t spare his own son, but gave him up for Ed Litton to secure my greatest need, then anything else I truly need will surely be given. When I’m tempted to doubt whether or not God is really for me, all I need to do is remember those hands. Those nail pierced hands tell me everything I need to know. His provision comes from his hand. Every time I look to his hands I am reminded by those marks that any provision is secondary to his ultimate provision. I can tell my emotions to shut up and sit still because I just remembered that my God has already proven His great love for me.
Romans 8 also tells us that the Holy Spirit groans before God for us. Then verse 34 adds this amazing truth.
"Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
You and I, as God's chosen children, always have two who never fail to pray for us. Even if you think no one is aware of your sorrow or pain, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit share an "inter-Trinitarian" prayer language that I call "Groan." They groan on our behalf. The amazing thing about this special language is that they always know exactly how to pray for us according to the will of God the Father.
What more can I ask? What more do I need? The only thing remaining is for me to choose to trust a good God who did not spare His own Son. He will give us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it. That comforts this hurting heart today. Let it comfort you! God need not prove His love for us any further. God is for us!
Ed Litton
3 comments:
I cannot even begin to imagine the yo-yo of emotions you have experienced this weekend. Just know that we have continued to pray for you and that we groan for you...not as the Holy Spirit does obviously...but as weak, needy human beings because we too cry with and for you. You are loved. And your leadership and your example over this last year are quite immeasureable to me, my family, and FBNM.
Christ be glorified.......
Duane and Cathy Carley
Joy and despair closely twined together; can't you see Jesus praying in the garden, sweating blood mingled with those two emotions. One drop joy, one drop despair- those two emotions were battling for His attention. Yet, He gave His attention to the Father knowing that is where He would find comfort. And He did. Keep seeking His comfort. I will be praying for you and your family.
Thanks for sharing so openly. We are praying for you and your family.
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