Rebekah's Insights

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I recently came upon another poignant quote by the late C.S. Lewis, which caught my attention. Here it is:

"We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." (C.S. Lewis)

I know from Isaiah 55:8 & 9 that God says...

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

It has been my experience thus far, that the roads which "seem" the most welcoming, pleasant, enjoyable, and happy to ME, are NOT, in fact, the BEST for me. (Sigh!) Undoubtedly, had they been the best, they would have been the roads upon which the Lord would have placed me. Now, at times I have been given that incredible opportunity later to observe how the harder road produced something of even greater value to me. But on other occasions, I am left only to accept that *this* is best, because I know that God is Sovereign over all things. Honestly, it is at these times, that my human emotions do not immediately (or ever) line up with my beliefs.

I suppose it comes down to this: when I truly enjoy the things He is doing in my life, believing in His goodness is really not a matter of faith, it is an emotional response to my circumstances. However, when I am in pain and struggle with what He is doing in my life, THAT is when believing in His goodness IS COMPLETELY a matter of FAITH, despite my emotions. My faith is established on the knowledge that while I was yet a sinner, Jesus died for me (Romans 5:8.) It is strengthened through past experiences when I have observed His goodness. It is to those facts which I must cling when the days are dark and the nights are bathed in tears. I believe it is the truth, but it still HURTS! And it is easy to lose perspective while I walk through the valley.

Such are the thoughts running through my head on a daily basis. Such are the thoughts running through my head especially when someone I love is experiencing a new and painful valley. You know who you are. You know you are not alone, though it may often "seem" that you are. My thoughts are with you often, as are my prayers to the Lord lifted on your behalf. Trust Him. Though it is soooooooooo much easier said than done.
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A Heart That Knows You

Thought I knew so much
But I've got so much to learn
Got so far to go
So much left to burn
Thought I knew You well
But I struggle in Your hands
Here again You bring the truth before me
Freedom only comes when I let go
This I know

...And a heart that knows You
Is a heart that can wait
Die to the dearest desire
...And a heart that knows You
Is a heart that can still celebrate
Following on through the fire

You would never lead
Where You had not been
Every road I face
You go down again
Time has come and gone
Since You walked into the flame
Still there is the pain before the glory
And it is Your will I must embrace
Oh for grace...

...And a heart that knows You
Is a heart that can wait
Die to the dearest desire
...And a heart that knows You
Is a heart that can still celebrate
Following on through the fire

It may be for my sake
Just to help me grow
Maybe for Your kingdom, Lord
I don't need to know

...And a heart that knows You
Is a heart that can wait
Die to the dearest desire
...And a heart that knows You
Is a heart that can still celebrate
Following on through the fire

(music & lyrics by Twila Paris)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5 & 6