There are some questions that can’t be answered on Google! One of those is, “Why would God allow so much pain in one person’s life?”
In my last post, I stated some of the reasons that God allows us to suffer and noted that the bible calls these things “benefits” or…God at work with our best interest in mind. Nevertheless, pain is pain. It hurts; a lot.
Some of my friends are suffering right now. While each of their circumstances are different, the pain is the same. It’s that hollow empty feeling that leaves you breathless as if someone as punched you in the stomach. I know. I’ve experienced it too.
For some, it seems like the darkness will never end. In fact, I made the comment about a family in my last post that says, “”It’s almost as if they can’t escape trouble. It follows them wherever they go.” Thankfully, Edie reminded us all that while trouble in this world is to be expected, so is God’s goodness and mercy.
Here’s a part of the comment she wrote: “I just wrote a post about the part in your book that discusses Psalm 23:6. Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.”
Here’s what I wrote in my book, An Untroubled Heart, concerning God’s goodness and mercy found in the 23rd Psalms:
“David wrote this psalm as praise to God for His faithfulness throughout David’s life. It reflects David’s confidence in “fearing no evil” because God is his shepherd who promises Him “goodness and mercy” amidst the strains of life.”
I further explain how God’s Goodness and Mercy are our bodyguards following us and providing for us all the days of our lives. Here’s an example from a story in my book…
I didn’t know it then, but God already had a plan to care for me. I was far along in my pregnancy with my first child when my dad approached Porter and me with a heartfelt concern. With a new baby on the way, Dad advised us to invest in life insurance. It was a great idea, but we just couldn’t afford it. Under the circumstances, Dad felt compelled to pay the premium until we could pay it ourselves. Porter accepted. Little did we know what the future held. Just two short weeks later, Porter tragically died. What would my son and I do now that our sole provision for food, shelter, and clothing was gone? The pressure was on as I tried to make sense of it all.
When I became pregnant, Porter and I decided that I wouldn’t work, but would stay home with our son. It wasn’t that we could afford for me to stay home. We simply chose to make sacrifices so I could be with him. After Porter’s death, things changed. I was pressured to work. Like many, I needed to put my son in daycare despite my wishes and I had to do it quickly. I had no income.
During this time of terror and transition, family and friends brought food, diapers, and paid some of my bills. Behind their efforts, Goodness and Mercy were providing and protecting my son and me every step of the way.
Just when I thought God couldn’t be any more gracious, it happened. It was nothing short of a miracle. It was Goodness and Mercy at their finest. Although the life insurance policy had only been signed two weeks before the accident, and was still in the probation period, the company honored it. With that blessing, I was able to stay home with my son for a while longer.
It may be different for you. Goodness and Mercy may show up in a job offer that you weren’t expecting. It may be as simple as someone buying you dinner or offering to baby-sit so you can have some time to yourself. Whatever the form, it is Goodness and Mercy showering you with care in your time of distress. Acknowledging these acts of kindness that flow from the heart of God builds our faith. Before we know it, our faith has become stronger than what we fear. I wonder in what ways Goodness and Mercy have shown up in your life recently just when you needed them most.
Regardless of the road you travel, Lonely Lane, Brokenhearted Boulevard, or Poverty Parkway Goodness and Mercy will follow after you. No heartbreak, no death, no betrayal, no rejection, no failure, no disappointment, and no evil can stop them. They will always come for you. They cannot fail you. They will never quit, never forget you, and never leave you.
sagreen125 says
thanks for your encouragement. I needed it so bad, as it so seems we have been on a long road of just lonely times. Just the reminder. I needed it so much today.
thanks
Lelia Chealey says
Micca..I am loving this book! I can't believe next week we'll discuss the last chapter. So heads up if you want to give us any last words just let me know and I'll direct the readers here.
Thanks so much. This is a book I'll re-open and use as a tool in my life. Won't sit long enough to collect any dust, that's for sure. 🙂