This morning, I was driving Taylor to his lacrosse camp and we were listening to a CD that had a song about Romans 5. It was a powerful song as it puts the scripture to music, and you both were immediately on my heart as I heard it.
Though I have heard these verses many times before, I am still surprised when I hear that we are "to rejoice in our sufferings" and that our "suffering produces endurance..." Really? But, then, I look back at my own story, and in my heart of hearts, I know this is true. It's just that it is not my natural response. My gut wants to complain- not rejoice. But, this song reminds me that I have another choice and that there is more going on that God is working out in my story through the ups and downs.
Know that I am praying that this would be more of your heartbeat today... I hope that this slideshow that I put together for you is an encouragement for you today too.
Romans 5:1-5New International Version (NIV)
Peace and Hope
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings,because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
July 9, 2014
ReplyDeleteHi Em,
Just a quick update- we had to go to the ER this morning, as Jens was having some stomach pains, tightness in his chest, and carrying a lot of fluid in his body. After a few hours and all of the typical tests, it was determined that he is backed up again. We are hoping the mirolax and other stool softeners will do the trick tonight, so we don't have a return trip!
As I was driving back from taking my mom to the airport, this song came on the radio, and tears started flowing as I drove. I've heard it before, but I don't think I've ever listened as closely to the lyrics. I thought how this promise is so true for both of our families in our respective seasons- each day we are breathing in his grace and breathing out praise- even though our scars and struggles cause pain in all sorts of crazy places! Never once have we ever walked alone. I know this is true because you have run all of these miles for us; not only has Our Father not let us walk alone, but loved ones like you have not either!
So grateful for the ways you let His faithfulness to us shine through you!
Love,
Abby
Check out this video on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/IbAk1WxdSXI