In walking through the aftermath of the fire to our home and the loss of so much I have come to learn some very specific lessons. First and foremost I have had to leave the why behind and move to the what. The whys leave me open to confusion and to an inability to move forward.
When I ask God, "why did this happen", why did it happen to my family, why now, or why would you allow this in my life, I make life about me. I somehow suppose that God owes me an answer. He does not and the theology of suffering teaches me that there is not always an answer to "why" we suffer on earth.
The Bible does teach me there are plenty of answers to the what. What are you doing God? What do you want me to learn? What can I do to advance the Kingdom while I am in the valley? What is your will for me through the valley? So I seek the what.
It is true, the sooner I move from why to what the sooner the healing takes place. Right now it takes an act of my will to move from why to what. Therefore, I choose what over why - bring on the healing Lord.
thank you from sharing from your heart. you are an example for me. i will take this lesson to ponder
ReplyDeleteSo good to see that your fingers have healed enough for you to type...*grin*
ReplyDeleteAnd don't you find that the WHAT's usually define or explain the WHY's . It seems to me that its the attitude of the heart, in the seeking of the whys and whats that allows the healing. :o) I think that maybe you are on the cusp of the why being revealed.
God Bless you and yours,
Such wise words, so simple and yet we make so complicated to follow!! You need to post more often, love what you offer for others to think about!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the life God is leading you on. Your words give hope to those of us in similar situations. It may not be a fire, being alone and praying for God to show the way, seems so shallow. But, reading your posting has given me a new insight. Thank God for giving you the words to pass on. Please know you do give someone hope to continue serving our Maker.
ReplyDeleteDwight, I'm so glad Linn sent us over to your blog. I love the your title and the message behind it. I'm trying to live in the "What" myself...for me and my family...What can I do today...What would He wish for me to do today, tomorrow, the next day to make this world just a little bit better for my having been in it, living with Him in my heart. Thank you for reaffirming the challenge and the goal.
ReplyDeleteWith Love and Prayers, Amy in CT
Amen Dwight thank you so much for this encouragement! Know that your family is in my prayers! You have an amazing insight to what God is calling us to do! Thank you for sharing I look forward to reading more!
ReplyDeletejust wanted you to know you have readers out there! Thanks for such an inspiring post. Please know you and your family have touched so many many lives through your strength. We have also been through some 'valleys' and its so difficult to see beyond at the time you are walking through them. What is so wonderful is when we can look back and see the hand of God holding us and leading us to an even more beautiful pasture.
ReplyDeleteKnow there are many many prayer warriors all over the nation praying for you and your precious family.
I lost my Dad 4 years ago very suddenly. I long to see him one last time. Please know that you as a Dad to these amazing children is the most wonderful thing you can give them short of leading them to Christ. I know you already know that, but I just wanted to say what a great job you are doing. I see the love and respect your family has for you. I'm hoping to tune in tomorrow to the service!
Know WHAT????
ReplyDeleteWe love you and miss you like crazy!!!
Praying every day and every moment we think of you and miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moving from the "Why" to the "What". What a great picture for me! I understand that God has a purpose in suffering, and if we truly want to be used by Him, we have to be prepared for suffering, but it can still be hard to go through it. This is such a straightforward approach to letting go and letting God do His thing. Thanks for sharing. I continue to pray for you and your family.
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