He is Good. {Part 2}

One of the wonderful things about my God is that He knows me so, so well. He knows that when I’m about to receive really hard news that I needed to be surrounded by people. Otherwise, my thoughts will swirl and I will exaggerate the details in my mind.

He has so carefully placed me in the perfect situations right in the moments when I most need to be surrounded by loved ones.

When I heard hard news from a traveling momma, I had friends around me. And, this weekend was no different.

We had invited a few friends over to share in homemade pizzas with us {sooooo good} since spring weather had finally arrived and it felt like a just cause for a celebration.

The news came just an hour or so before our friends were to arrive. I won’t share the specifics here for privacy purposes but I will say that we learned new, horrific information about the orphanage where our daughter is currently living. Will you please pray for protection for the children there? Will you pray in Jesus’ name that He protect their hearts and that He shines His light into that darkness?

In this particular case, God gave me all three.

He gave me encouragement in the form of laughter with dear friends.

He gave me a thankful heart for the beauty of this Spring season.

Yes, we have a bounce house ready at all times. Not normal?

He gave me joy at the innocence and creativity of our children. Ben, Nathan and Hannah got into a paint set and painted each other’s faces. We knew they were being too quiet and something was up. I had a hard time not laughing when I saw this face.

He gave me {many} someone{s} to share this burden. Fellow mommas praying alongside me and encouraging me. Words full of faith and wisdom…bold prayers cried out in love, carrying our family through this time…

“We talked about 2 Kings 6 yesterday and the God of angel armies. I am praying that in the darkness of the orphanage, God has planted His warriors to protect His precious children. There is a song from my daughter’s VBS CD that always brings me to my knees,
“He knows my name,
He knows my every thought, He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.”
He sees each tear that falls in this terrible place.”

“The Light of our Creator Father is mightier than ANYTHING!!!! And we will be praying that the children are protected by His Divine power and Holy Spirit and that only those Heavenly Angels are anywhere NEAR these little ones – S specifically!!! Love you!!!”

“…I see that in your life too as your fight for your baby girl across an ocean and see the fruits of a faith that is grasping tight to God amidst some raging waves. We are all going to persevere through this with you and claim God’s victory for your family’s life.”

“…One of the other verses called out was 1 Peter 5:10. I love the Message translation of this (v. 8-11): “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.”

“Praying for peace and God’s sanctifying presence to be all over those sweet little ones that live there.”

“We are mightily lifting S and the children at the O and your sweet family up before the Father. Things like this just make me cry out to our Lord “Come Lord Jesus, come!””

James MacDonald also says that God will give you a few days of relief during a particular trial.

God has also given me relief and sweet, refreshing peace. He gave me relief, a temporary means of escaping the hurt yesterday morning.

He gave me serene beauty to behold with my precious boys. He gave me solitude in His majestic creation.

And, He gave me laughter. Again. These boys keep my life so full and my heart so overflowing with love that I cannot help but lift my hands in praise to the One who provides each and every good thing.

Yes, they needed a potty break. Yes, Ben thought it would be funny to “get” Nathan. No, Nathan did not think it was funny. And, yes, of course I had my camera ready {I was just getting a shot of their silly selves going potty in the woods but then this happened and I couldn’t resist. Their future wives will love and appreciate this}.

I have no idea why but this seems like a perfect way to end this post. On a happy, silly note. I know God wants me to laugh and enjoy this abundantly blessed life. Even in the midst of trial and heartache. I will praise Him in the storms just as I will praise Him on the mountaintop!