Letters Home
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:24-29
The following is a letter that I wrote to my parents recently regarding the Lord’s work in my life. I hope and trust that there are some things that might encourage others as they are going through problems that appear to be overwhelming. It is important to remember that all things in life are “by design” to conform us to the image of the Son.
I used to think that I was not a very emotional person, but events over the past few months have revealed to me something much different. I find myself going through great emotional and spiritual ups and downs. Thankfully the Lord and godly friends are a stabilizing factor in the midst of tumultuous events; however, the things that I have learned about myself have been eye-opening. As I realize my susceptibility to such struggles I am driven more to the Word of God for sustainment in my relationship with the Lord. My time in the Word has been very rich and refreshing lately. In 1 Peter 1 we are told “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”; and in James 1 we are given additional perspective on how to view and respond to our trials. Of course my natural tendency is to complain and sulk; but when I allow myself to do this I am missing an opportunity to bring glory to God through these things that have a purpose to change and refine me. What a wasted lesson if I do this! Things are worth going through once for a learning experience; but to go through something multiple times because of stubbornness is foolish and a total waste of the time that God has entrusted to us. Unfortunately, as humans, that is often what happens.
The other day I was trying to meditate on my “problems” when someone rudely interrupted me to bother me with theirs! It was a soldier that I met at Fort Jackson during my last bit of training there who called me. In the past few months he lost his wife of 25 years, his job, and is about to lose his apartment and vehicle. I thought that I was having problems. Perspective is great; the Lord really has a way of showing us how good we have it!
I did have opportunity to pray with this soldier regarding his problems and direct him to seek the Lord for wisdom. Please pray that I would have continued opportunity to interact with him during his time of need. After that phone call I wrote the following poem as an expression of what was going on in my own heart and mind.
I find myself a-sulking,
Seeking pity every day;
Looking for some comfort
To “help” me on my way.
I’m looking at my problems;
A nuisance that they are.
I’ve issues with relationships
And attitudes that mar.
This cesspool of self-pity
Brings me comfort yet despair,
Frustration then grows greater
As I seek for my own care.
Then someone “a friend” does tell me
Of their problems and their woes;
They’ve lost their wife, their home, their job
And all they love now goes.
The Lord does now remind me
Of His promises so sure:
He feeds the little sparrow
Through him I am secure.
He tells me not to worry,
But in everything by prayer,
To bring my cares before Him
That I may know he’s there.
I’ll not leave you or forsake you,
I’ll forever be your guide,
If you’ll forsake your wisdom
And trust alone in mine…
When you walk through the valley,
You need not fear of death;
When climbing the rough mountain,
I’ll be your every breath.
Now I must look to Christ alone
And “in Him” I now hide,
I know if I ask wisdom
It will not be denied.
Christ is my only joy in life
Forever I will see
The One who knows my every care
And hears my every plea
I thank the Lord for giving me
A peace that none can know
Except they place their trust in Thee
From whom all life does flow
I know Christ is sufficient
To meet my every need
To fill my deepest longing
When I His will do heed.