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Struggle Well!

"Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." Hebrews 12:3

This passage, from my morning devotions, jumped out at me. I have been struggling with such weariness and a deep sadness as the reality of life without Cj looms and the enormity of this loss fills our daily existence with a breathtaking pain. The shock has somewhat worn off, but, the "missing him" gets worse by the day...

When my son turns to me and says, "...I know what you are saying, but...I am having a hard time believing it -- how am I supposed to accept this?!!..." I feel so completely inadequate to answer his questions and to reply, "...well, honey, I don't know... but, God is in control...", that just seems so inept and almost false.
I KNOW God loves my children and I KNOW He has a good plan for each of them and that He IS in control... and that He is GOOD. But, how do I translate that to them, in ways that are understandable and meaningful, when all they see is that their daddy is gone and they miss him horribly...

So, I have been feeling very weary and discouraged and that verse really spoke to me. We ALL go through sorrow, trials, times when we do not see or understand God's "good" plan -- at times it doesn't look "good" at all and we can't see how it could ever possibly turn out better!!
What we are going through right now, is huge... life altering...out in the open for all to see... But, I know that everybody struggles or will struggle, usually in private, with becoming "weary and discouraged in our souls" as we journey through life's hardships.

So, I just wanted to share that verse and encourage each of you to continue to "struggle well" and to not give up hope -- "So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." Gal 6:9

Below are part of the words to a beautiful song by Watermark that I heard today while driving about on my many errands and appointments. It was an excellent reminder of our true focus and future joy! (:

Your face is beautiful
And Your eyes are like the stars
Your gentle hands have healing
There inside the scars
Your loving arms they draw me near
And Your smile it brings me peace
Draw me closer oh my Lord
Draw me closer Lord to Thee

Captivate us, Lord Jesus
Set our eyes on You
Devastate us with Your presence
Falling down
And rushing river, draw us nearer
Holy fountain consume us with You
Captivate us Lord Jesus, with You

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