I know what it’s like to experience real heartbreak after unexpected news falls on your ears. In that instant, your life takes a turn in the opposite direction from which you were headed. You feel as if someone has kicked you in the stomach and knocked the breath out of you. The terrible news leaves you feeling weak, sick and helpless. The pain is heart wrenching. You haven’t any strength to endure.
That’s when the supernatural strength of God infuses your body. That’s when God’s goodness and mercy illuminates the darkness that surrounds you. It’s when you need God most and he shows up through acts of goodness and mercy.
Such was the case with me when I lost my spouse to a tragic accident. (Read my story here)
I needed God and he made himself real. It was his goodness and mercy that carried me, comforted me and provided for my son and me. And his goodness and mercy is available to you too.
You may have stopped by my blog today because you read my cover story, Discovering God’s Goodness and Mercy, in our July issue of P31 Woman. (Read article here) Maybe you just happened to come across my site. Either way, I want you to know God is there. He cares about you and your situation.
God also knows exactly where you are. He has not forgotten you. God is aware of your circumstances and he is not surprise, but in control. God sees a thousand tiny little connections to what you’re experiencing. He sees the big picture and has your best interest at heart.
I encourage you to look for acts of goodness and mercy in your situation. Seeing God at work, often through other people, brings comfort and melts fear. God’s hand is in those little things… a card in the mail, a hug from a friend, and offer to help out.
Let’s encourage one another. Share in the comment section how goodness and mercy showed up just when you needed it most. I’d love to read your story.
Kristi says
Micca, I found your blog through the Proverbs 31 blog. I was touched by your story and wanted to read more. This blog post really ministered to me. “God hasn’t forgotten you…” He continues to remind me of that fact over and over. The fact that you said it in this blog post was another sweet reminder.
My own situation isn’t nearly as tragic, but heartbreaking nonetheless. I’m a never-married single about to turn 50. I so desire to be married, but have been okay–mostly content. A few years ago this stirring began in my heart, a serious longing for a mate. Through some incredible circumstances I met a godly man who seemed to be hand-picked for me. I felt as if the Lord had just dropped him into my life at the right time and was happier than I’d ever been. After just a few months together, this guy suddenly decided he felt the Lord was telling him not to date for a while so that he could focus more on his spiritual life. Who am I to argue with God? I was devstated, but hoped God might bring us back together. Since then I have run the gammut of emotions, most of which have left me in tears.
The upside of all this is how God used all of this to draw me closer to Him than ever before. I’m clinging to the promises of Jer. 29:11 and Romans 8:28. I still struggle with all of this, but God is teaching me to trust Him, to give Him control. He’s got it and, yes, He sees my situation and has not forgotten me.
Linda Williams says
I read your devotion from P31 today & can relate oh to well. My daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was 7. It completely turned our world upside down. As a single mom I was torn in a million directions & was SO ANGRY with God. I just couldn’t understand why he would do this. One day I was talking to my pastor, who also was my best friend, and he said “why not you? Why are you more special than anyone else?” That really hit me.
God’s hand was on my daughter & me the entire time but it took me a long time to see. She should have died. She lived through 2 surgeries! She should not be able to walk, eat, talk. She can do all of those things. She wasn’t going to live past 16. She will turn 21 this November. Has the road been easy? Absolutely not. She has had 2 more surgeries & is undergoing chemo for the 3rd time….you would never know there was anything wrong with her by looking at her. She’s a miracle.
God blessed me with a wonderful family, supportive parents who are still my rock, good Christian friends and a loving church during that early time. Looking back now, how could I ever doubt?
Mary says
Your blog is how God is showing up for me today. I have been reading a book on forgiveness and anger and when I began to list those I was angry at God topped the list. Not because He has not been faithful and provided beyond anything I deserve, but because at 17 my dad died of cancer. I had prayed and prayed and I still struggle with feeling robbed. I know God worked things out for my dad’s best and my mom’s, but somehow I struggle to see how he worked it out for me. I went looking for love in all the wrong places and ended up divorced. Then I remarried another alcoholic conman who died leaving me with big bills.
The story does not end there. I am remarried and on the road with my semi driving husband who I love and who loves me. I am blessed with good friends, time to take care of me, to heal, to pray, to read blogs and recover from a long string of losses due to death or people who have turned their back on me.
Is there good in this? Yes. I am each day forced to draw closer to God to keep myself positive and be a positive influence on others. I am forced to trust God when they don’t give us work and we don’t get paid for sitting. Yes, God is using this time to teach me lessons, to rebuild my faith, to draw me closer and prepare me for whatever comes. He is and has been faithful through it all.
So thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for the post of 7/10 about being angry at God. God is showing up…and He will never let me down.
Jenny Osborn says
Wow, I think it was a God thing that I came across your blog. My 5 yr old son passed away 7 months ago. The anger and bitterness I have at times is overwhelming. The peace and mercy that God shows me is also overwhelming. I struggle between those every single day. I love how God shows himself exactly when I need it, through my prayer and prayer from my friends. His presence and compassion is just something that can’t be explained when you’re going through the deepest, darkest valley. Thank you for sharing your story. I look forward to reading more about it.