~ grace in the pain ~
As I sat down to write the post for this week, I struggled with how to share grace and gratitude. Why? Because there have been some heavy things going on that I have witnessed and involve people I care about deeply. I’m confident many of us have experienced this and how that rub hurts especially in moments when one can feel helpless to change any of it. Such is the sorrow of real life.
Whenever we find ourselves in pain or witness pain, it can be an easy reaction to want to fight. Fight back, fight for justice, fight for righteousness, but sometimes there isn’t a clear path to “fight” or make anything better. Such is my current predicament. The pain sometimes is multiplied because of helplessness to change anything. Helpless to change the circumstances or the pain associated with it is a difficult place to be stuck.
In these moments, I tend to feel defeated. I feel exhausted and want to head to bed at about 8:30 pm, and not so I can sleep because sleep can be elusive, especially in those moments. Rather I want to escape. I don’t always want to pray or read the Word because sometimes in the darkest moments I feel numb and don’t know what else to do, except to escape, of course. The truth is there really isn’t escape from pain or fear of pain. Going forward and through it is the only real escape. An escape or really it’s a journey to the other side where those things cannot hold anyone captive is what is true.
So through the struggle, I know there has been grace. Grace in the moments of grieving a loss. Grace in knowing the Lord sees and He is at work. Grace for remembering not to take offense for others, but be the one who listens and supports in love. Grace in knowing the Lord does not indiscriminately use pain for the sake of pain, but to bring his people closer to Him.
Understanding that grace ultimately leads to the path of gratitude. Gratitude built on the truths I know and believe.
No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. ~ Joshua 1:5
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. ~ Proverbs 17:17
As each of us was built for community and to need others, I am reminded that my job as a friend is to remain steadfast in my love and support.
The unmerited favor of God is grace, which he shows me through friendship. My gratitude to him is being a faithful friend who always loves and supports.
I can be grateful even in adversity….
Please know I am grateful for each of you that read my blog, comment, and link-up. I am so sorry if I did not make it to your blog last week or respond to your comments. I hope this post explains a little bit as to the why. Thank you for your grace to me.
grace & blessings, Carrie
Joanne Viola says
Hi Carrie – we all need to be reminded of God’s grace which pulls us through and is present in the midst of every challenge. No pain or grief is every wasted and that is the hope we hold onto. Recently I reminded myself that one day, God will roll back the curtain, and reveal not only the reasons, but the outcome to everything. Blessings!
Carrie says
Hi Joanne! Thank you so much for your encouraging words of truth!
Michele Morin says
Thank you for true words about grace finding us when we are too exhausted to even ask for it. These days, we are living close to lament at all times, and fortunately scripture gives us words for it.
Carrie says
Oh, thank you for this nugget of wisdom. I’m grateful!
Amy says
I am so sorry to hear about your current struggle. Know that you are never alone, and remaining graceful is definitely your forte. Many hugs.
Carrie says
Amy, thank you! We are a part of the body of Christ and need one another. This is the blessing of sisterhood.
Lauren Renee Sparks says
I can relate to all of this and I thank you for sharing vulnerably. As you obviously know, His grace covers so much and His comfort supports us during these times. And you are so right. He will use this for good. Ours or someone else’s. That does help. Saying a prayer for you right now.
Carrie says
Thank you for your kind words and prayer, Lauren. I’m truly grateful.
Astrid says
Love your linky! I just discovered it and am so happy I did. Visiting from #MischiefAndMemories.
Carrie says
I’m glad you stopped by! Please continue to link up each week. 🙂
Paula Short says
Carrie, thank you for sharing this blessed post. Your post caused me to pause and reflect, thank you for this lesson today. Blessings.