Suffering, then, is not wasted. When we find ourselves in the deep waters of sorrow, grief, and lament, God is at work, growing and maturing us.

One day, however, we will see him face-to-face, and when we do, our restoration will be complete.

Without denying the horror and grief of death, we grieve in hope. And we do so because our grief is informed by the empty tomb.

Give me faith like one who has held on when all seems lost, who has stared despair in the face but clung to the assurance of things hoped for.

It’s clear that the God of Job is the same Lord of steadfast love we see throughout the whole of Scriptures.

God is big enough to deal with a grieving mom’s heart, and he’s big enough to deal with whatever doubts or misaligned affections we may hold, too.

Depending on the day, I get everything done or hardly anything at all. Sometimes, it feels as random as flipping a coin. When I’ve got a sermon to prep, taxes to file, and lessons to plan, and my brain feels like it’s in hibernation mode, I’m left feeling defeated, frustrated, and guilty. I often wonder to myself: Is God disappointed with me? Is he tired of hearing the same old prayers for help while I keep struggling along? How can he be pleased with me when I can’t even get my quiet time right? Yet, I know he loves me, and he will carry me through.

As we walk through seasons of suffering, may we remember our heavenly Father and faithful Creator. He will never fail us.

I want to spend this brief time pleasing the one who could destroy me but has instead chosen to rescue me.

Being honest, in light of all this, sometimes I struggle to believe that God sees and cares. But then Christmas gives me hope that he does see and care; and that he loves me after all.

When my life felt out of my control, God reminded me he is in complete control.

I don’t know all that God is teaching me by allowing depression to periodically pounce on me. But I know he’s still faithful and good.