Graphic by Jordan
Guest post by Monica Groce @abiloudesignsco
In the midst of painful loss, I can sing, “It is well with my soul.”
I cannot fathom the ways of God or even attempt to imagine what He’s doing in 2020.
I know, that for me personally, 2020 is a year to remember.
On Tuesday July 7th, I lost my father to a car accident. We were in total shock. It was completely terrible and we had no idea what to think. We cried and mourned for days. We cried for him, his sweet laugh, his annoying remarks, his servant heart, his struggle with a muscle disease. We cried for everything about him. It’s still tough and we are continuing to grieve our loss.
But God mercifully gives us room to grieve and to hope. Jesus knows loss very well. In Jesus’ perfect body, he grieved for Lazarus. He knows, even deeper and how important, it is to grieve and to cry. He knows the despair when God turned away from Him as He was hanging on the cross. Now that is real and comforting in this trial.
It’s been tough for me to lean into the suffering and let myself feel my emotions. I don’t want to be looked at, I don’t want to cry at weird times, and I don’t want to be needy.
But my pastor wisely said, “You cannot share the Truth of the Gospel in its entirety if you’re not suffering and grieving.” It’s hard to hear, but there’s healing and hope through tears and suffering that only Jesus can understand to the fullest extent. In the midst of this, I can still utter through my tears, God is good.
I pray this is encouraging for those suffering loss in any way. The loss of a job, a loved one, a way of life, a home, etc. Jesus has experienced your loss in every way and that is true hope. — Monica Groce --- When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well, with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul. It is well, it is well, with my soul. ‘It Is Well with My Soul’ — Horatio Spafford
Shop 'It is Well' goods here.