It all started with me really digging deep into the study I've been doing Saturday nights with the kids in family ministry. The one theme we have been learning about is all the things God entrusts with and one of them was experience. We don't always choose what happens to us or what we go through but it's all about what we do with those experiences.... and then came the women's event "Unshaken". That kind of went with the theme. Because here I got to hear from women of God like Nagmeh Abedini whose pastor husband has been violently imprisoned in Iran for 3 years. Her testimony, her strength and her unwavering faith in God was inspiring. I heard about all different kind of women who haven't been able to choose their experiences... a woman who found herself as a single mother after a divorce, a widow facing life alone, and a woman who endured sexual abuse..... and yet all were here to encourage others women. They all went through something they had no control over, yet through those circumstances God was teaching them, molding them and building them up to help others.
Nagmeh Abedini who was once a reserved quiet pastor's wife in Idaho, has now traveled around many countries in the world and has met with different dignitaries to advocate for her husband and other prisoners. The woman who faced sexual abuse was now leading a group of women who all have faced this in the past leading them with support, and help they need to understand what happened wasn't their fault. The widow now found herself experiencing a new life after grief yet in her pain she can relate to others who have faced something similar.
As believers we have to believe that God will work out all things for our good, and that though we may go through things we don't understand or want, He is working something in us and preparing us for something greater than we can imagine. Believe me I understand this concept. Which is kind of how this blog was birthed... I felt God restored and worked so much for my good in my life, my marriage and family that I had to tell of His goodness and encourage others, but with the rough 2 days I've had its hard to remain in that. It's hard to feel unshaken.
Yesterday after my daughter finally settled into school and went on her first fieldtrip, she came home excitedly telling us stories and accidentally fell and fractured her foot. It's been 2 days, 1 office visit, 2 hospital visits, xrays, ibuprofen, and a cast later and I'm already feeling overwhelmed. Why??? Because I'm human. Because it's so easy to let these things distract you from the truth.
I'm thankful it's not anything more serious. But to a 4 year old, not walking is devastating so I've already dealt with her guilt thinking she caused it, to just crying cause she can't walk or scratch her toes. After carrying her around and going work, and taking Manny to school while still taking care of our 2 dogs, my husband and I are exhausted. I also have to continue Manny's regular schedule with swimming and picture day yet give our princess all the needed attention. I have to try to follow up with orthopedics, file accident claims, and get refunds on her swimming and soccer seasons she will not be able to do yet.
Honestly, as I sit here at Emmanuel's swim lessons still in my scrubs from leaving my house at 8am this morning, and no make up on because it's been sweated off my face and an achy body due to exhaustion and carrying Emeli around, I physically feel like having a breakdown. I want a nap. I want to cry and I can't wait til this is over.
Yet mentally, I'm holding on to Jesus. Because though I may not have chosen this for my princess or my family, it's an experience I've been entrusted with. It's small compared to what other women have endured and I know I can remain unshaken despite all the shaking!
The victory is irrevocable. We belong to Jesus and no matter the trials, the circumstances or the battle you're facing nothing can seperate you from the love of God. Experiences like this where I feel overwhelmed can only overwhelm me if I am distracted from the fact that God's got me. Right now in retrospect I can see God preparing me for this situation I am dealing with. It only strengthens my faith to know He loves me that much that He gives me what I need before I know I need it. Just this week we started a small group of ladies bible study on the armor of God and to know I have these ladies praying for me and encouraging me make all the difference. Though I'm tired, maybe cranky, and exhausted.... and though there are a million things that are trying to shake me, I know to remain unshaken in the Lord.
Today, I encourage you that no matter what situation or experience you are facing, Whether it's something you're in because of are decision you made, or something you didn't ask for or can't understand, to draw near to God. There you will know he is sustaining you and equipping with all you need to deal with it. When you build your foundation on the Rock, Jesus Christ there is no shaking that can destroy you. Take refuge in Him and He will strengthen you! Take a breath, look around, and be thankful for all that is good. It's okay to feel tired, to be sad and to even wonder, but don't sulk in it. Don't stay in that.... Stand Firm and know the God of the universe loves you and will get you through. Remain unshaken in Him alone!
-♡Meli
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