All for His Glory

God causes ALL things to work for His glory.  Not only that, but for those who trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior, God uses ALL things for our good.  

Think about that for a little bit . . . the God of the Universe is intimately involved in every.single.aspect of your life, Believer. And He is working it for YOUR good because He loves you so very much.  And He will get all of the glory!  


Here's the infallible Truth to back this up: 

Romans 8:28
 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose". (ESV)

And - 

I Peter 1:6-7 
 "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ". (ESV)

With Lucy sick, with me missing Ellie Kate, with so many friends hurting, with the earthly death of Ellie's friend Jessica, with the decline in my friend Jenni's health (due to aggressive cancer) . . . well, I've just been thinking a lot about hardships and trials.  And Jesus has quickly and gently reminded me that He's got it all under control.  

Friends, it doesn't always look the way we want it to; I would dare say that most of the time, life doesn't look the way that we hoped or dreamed!  And, even though we may pray, do the right things, seek the Lord, give Him the glory through our trials, etc - even though all of this may be true, God still might not answer our prayers the way that we want.  It still hurts.  Life hurts.  Physical and mental illness occur.  Loss occurs.  Betrayal, hurt, financial set-backs, troubles at work - it's all a part of our broken, fallen, hurting, sickly world.  It makes me long for Heaven!!  

As those who love the Lord Jesus, we have to remind ourselves of the truths listed above.  And there are SO many other similar Scriptures I could list!  He LOVES us.  He uses our lives, our weaknesses, our past sins, our accomplishments, our ILLNESSES for our good and for His glory, and we may not understand it this side of Heaven.  

And now, the personal stuff - 
Lucy has been really sick.  It's been several months of screaming, of testing, of doctors appointments.  Our girl has been poked and prodded, and we never have come to an answer.  On Sunday, Lucy had one of her VERY worst days.  Really and truly, it was the one of the hardest days of her life.  She was screaming in pain NON-STOP.  No meds would help.  No position would help.  Rocking, music, driving, singing, walking, pain meds, anxiety meds - nothing would help, and we felt hopeless. It was heartbreaking.  

We took Lucy to the doctor yesterday and had two appointments.  They looked her over really well, but didn't come to any conclusions.  This morning, she started running her very first fever.  Really!  It was the very first fever she's ever had and it rose super quickly.  I knew something was wrong as she was lethargic, seizing and had a very high fever.  I took her to the ER.  

Turns out Lucy has a bad UTI.  Other things are up in the air right now, so we are waiting for lab results.  The doctors let us come home after tests, fluids and IV antibiotics.  We will do antibiotics at home and watch her closely.  As of this evening, she still has a fever.  Please pray for our girl.  

Also, as I mentioned above, my precious friend Jenni is struggling for her life.  Her battle is ending, according to doctors, but we know that God CAN heal her completely this side of Heaven (as her daddy says).  Would you pray for Jenni and her husband Heath?  Pray that God would prepare their hearts for what He has planned.  Pray for their seven young children, that they would be surrounded in peace that passes all understanding.  And pray for the rest of their family who is longing to see God move on Jenni's behalf.  

May the truths shared tonight resonate with your heart, Sweet One.  Jesus, thank you that your actions aren't based on MY actions!  Thank you that it isn't up to me, up to us.  Thank you that it's not my faith that makes you move mountains, because my faith is so small! Thank you that you don't move because of my actions or "goodness".  You move as you see fit, for our good and for your glory.  

Glory to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
Ryan