Faith Amidst Tears

Therefore comfort one another with these words. I Thessalonians 4:18

Well known Bible teacher, author, and speaker, Beth Moore had a statement that has stuck with me ever since I read it. She made it a point to say that our faith needs to be built on who God is rather than what God does. Her explanation was that if it is built on what God does we will be in for a roller coaster ride of a Christian life when God does not respond and act the way we want Him to act. Whereas when it is built on who He is, that never changes and we have something to hold to that is solid.

It was that reminder and truth that I took with me as I drove to a local hospital to visit a friend earlier this morning. There are times when we face the difficulties and heartaches of life and know that God alone is the One who will comfort in ways we cannot. After battling some years of infertility and finally becoming pregnant with twins, my dear friend called this morning to let me know she had lost the girl twin at 20 weeks. As I drove to the hospital my mind raced for answers only to be reminded that my faith must be built on who God is! I cannot describe for you what it is like to step into a hospital room with a young couple filled with grief and yet holding tightly to their genuine faith in God. Just a few feet from her bed was little Haley no bigger than my hand yet fully developed! As I rested my hand on her little body I had to remind myself that God now held her spirit.

God alone helps us to minister to people when we find ourselves in situations with which we cannot relate having never been through their particular ordeal. He faithfully and gently nudged me to share two truths with her. First of all, I let her know her grief, tears, and questioning were not an insult to God. They were emotions He understood and did not want her to shut down that part of the experience. She has much to process in all of this as well as a continued pregnancy with little Jacob. May she know His shoulder is available for her tears and sorrow.
Second, I reminded her that we can trust who God is even when He doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we had hoped. We may never know the “why” but we can rest in the fact that He is still a good, loving, and faithful God. At this time, God holds my friend, her husband, and their unborn son securely in His hands.

Father, tears are to be expected at this time and trust in You is what will see us through! You are who You say You are! In that we rest. Amen.