Words to Grow On

March 3, 2008

ARE YOU DEFEATED

By

Margaret Michaels

Phil. 4:13  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”

We all face difficult moments in our lives.  Often we see them as obstacles.  It is only in retrospect that we can say “I didn’t believe at the time that it was a good thing but looking back I know it was God’s will for me.”  Our vision is not always clear at the time of crisis.  We question, we cry, we pray.  Why God?

And of us who have known death of a child, a spouse, a parent know this feeling.  We feel defeated.  We cannot see how the before us can work.  It is truly a time of mourning.  God gives us this time.  If we have caring friends they give us this time.  We are human and the adjustment knocks the pins from under us.

Often people say things to us that seem meaningless- this too will pass…where is your faith… and other words that only make us more angry and more hurt.  Whether it is a death, a disappointment, or a sorrow; we feel defeated.

Then a Christian friend comes along who you know has suffered as you are suffering.  They telephone and ask, “Can I pick you up for lunch?”  They come over- you get in the car still struggling with the tears that could overflow in a minute.  You have taken the time (for the first time in days) to dress carefully, do your hair, and try to present to the world your best.  You order lunch (you don’t feel like eating) and sort of pick at it.  After awhile you calmly say to your friend “You know, it just isn’t fair?”  The flood gates open- you say everything and anything.  Your friend listens without a word.  When you stop for breath you realize that you do feel better.  You say thank you God for sending my friend.  You get out of the car at your home and say to yourself “I can go on- I am not defeated- God’s love has strengthened me.