Seeing struggles through the lens of the cross: Part 2
As a mother of my firstborn child, who was only a year old, there were numerous transitions in my life. After my husband completed his seminary degree in Texas, we moved to Arizona for our first military assignment.
About three months later, we received news that Cal’s dad had died of a stroke. He flew to Texas for the funeral and to help his mom and two younger siblings. After long discussions on the phone, we agreed that his mom and the children needed to come to live with us in Arizona.
This was a heavy thing for me. I was willing and wanted to help with the extended family, but handling the load became an enormous adjustment.
““His compassions never fail and are new every morning.””
I was young but not new to a relationship with Christ. I knew the value of getting alone and having a conversation with the Lord. I knew how to plug in for help; I had experienced His presence before in answered prayers. Even now, years later, I remember the tearful prayer time—even down to what the room looked like.
I confessed to the Lord that I needed Him. I confessed that I know He loved me and died on the cross for me. I confessed also that I couldn’t feel any of those confessions. Then I had a long time of tears. I remember leaving that room assured that Christ’s provision for me on the cross would provide strength for me in my situation.
This week, I have been reading Lamentations 3:22-23… “His compassions never fail and are new every morning.” Verse 23 says, “Because of God’s great love, we are not consumed.”
As I reflect on that time long ago as a new mom, I am struck by this promise of scripture. We struggle during our faith journey but we are not consumed!
