Glory Through Grief

As I look back on my life, I see the rich blessings God has given me through my most painful experiences. I am blown away. How does He do that? How does He bring glory through grief? I don't think I will ever be able to wrap my mind around it. His ways are far above mine.

What I do hope is that I will learn to trust Him more completely, and overcome fear. He loves me. He is with me. He uses all things for good for those who love Him and are called to His purposes.

Contentment and peace come when I desire His glory and His purposes, more than my own ideas and plans. He will be glorified. He will accomplish what He sets out to do.

My heart must crave His glory. In Him, I will not be disappointed.

I need to remember what He's already done in my life, be satisfied in Him right now, and have hope for what's ahead. He will never leave me. He is amazing and His ways are perfect.

I wrote this poem smack in the middle of one of the hardest years of my life. He was definitely with me!

Victory

Little by little, You give me victory.
Little by little, You set me free.

I must be patient,
And continue to call on Your name.
I don't want to go through the fire,
And at the end come out the same.

The trials I go through,
Can be for Your glory.
All of them put together,
Are telling a story.

A story of Your majesty,
Your love and Your grace.
Oh, how I long for the day,
That I may see Your face.

I don't want to experience
Shame on that day.
"Well done faithful servant"
Is what I want to hear You say.

I must stop worrying, fretting, and fighting,
The work You're doing is everlasting-
That's exciting!

I must trust You and know,
You will finish what You began.
All I must do,
Is surrender to Your plan.

(Rachel Ranae 6.23.10)

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4 ESV)