The life we choose is usually not the path our Heavenly Father would have for us. For instance, I would not choose to have a child with any disability because it would be a life full of struggles, a life far from perfection. When autism came to our lives through our son I remember reading 2 Cor. 1:4; I couldn’t comprehend how that can be. With heavy hearts, we went through the motions, survived the many tantrums and there was neither comfort nor rest. But I realize we didn’t get comfort because we didn’t pray. Yet He loved me then and used the experience to humble me. It took many years before I could give comfort to others. In fact it wasn’t until just last year. I joined a local Autism support group which consists of mothers with autistic children ages 2-8, and mine was the oldest at 14 years old. I now listen to their stories and I find encouragement from them as I hope they do from me. It is a wonderful group from different racial and religious backgrounds and yet linked by one thing–contending with autism. As I sit with these Moms with their heavy hearts and worn out bodies, it reminds me of a poem by Helen Steiner Rice, and understood God’s purpose.
Before You Can Dry Another’s Tears- You Too Must Weep
Let me live a life that’s free
From the things that draw me close to Thee
For how can I ever hope to heal
The wounds of others I do not feel
If my eyes are dry and I never weep,
How do I know when the hurt is deep
If my heart is cold and it never bleeds
How can I tell my brother’s needs
For when ears are deaf to the beggar’s plea
And we close our eyes and refuse to see
And we steel our hearts and harden our mind
And we count it a weakness whenever we’re kind,
We are no longer following the Father’s way
Or seeking His guidance from day to day….
..For only through tears can we recognize
The suffering that lies in another’s eyes.
Afflictions are medicine to our souls. It heals us of our selfishness and turns our gaze to Him who controls all things and searches all hearts. Because I’m a naturally anxious person, I am aversive to trials. I still don’t like them but I am grateful when they come because so many benefits come from them. I can think of a few:
1. Trials increase our faith and produces endurance
2. You learn to know God’s wisdom, providence and love.
3. You learn compassion: you are able to comfort another soul
4. It is a witness for the gospel, and to share with others God’s work in your life.
5. It connects you to people you otherwise would not associate with.
6. It humbles a proud heart and fosters total dependence on God.
7. It teaches you to pray fervently knowing that our expectation comes from Him alone.
8. It teaches you how to love a child who cannot repay you.
9. To rest in our merciful God and see His strength in weakness
10. It keeps you from being critical and judgmental of others once you walk in their shoes.
And so, I understand now why we must count it all joy!
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One Response:
June 24th, 2007 at 4:12 am
Great post! Sometimes I forget to remember the trials after they have passed. Thus, when God gives me an ongoing trial to endure, I am learning, like you, to praise Him for the loving lessons He teaches me through suffering. I pray too, that I will in turn become more like Him through the process.