“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:16-17)
During the recent festive season people remember (or are reminded) of Christ’s birth. God sent His one and only son to a sinful, dark and depraved world. I hadn’t really thought about how difficult that may have been for God, but I also realise that I cannot emotionalize God by humanizing him to my level.
Despite those thoughts I guess this year I can really relate to being separated from someone I love and desire to protect. My one and only child is living 813 miles from me, we are separated by an ocean so traveling is made difficult by distance, terrain and (unfortunately) work commitments for us both. This was the first Christmas we have been apart since her birth 20 years ago.
This being hard to deal with is an understatement that words cannot even begin to describe. I cannot be there when she “needs me” and yet I know deep down that there is a reason we are separated; God’s purpose for her life and mine.
God is the author of all life and He is in control of all things. We sometimes, in our humanness, find it hard to fathom or emotionally handle the circumstances we find ourselves in; but knowing that God has a purpose makes it easier to bear.
Whatever you face in this new year, whether it is loneliness, grief, pain, joy, heartache, abundance or separation, know that God has a plan in all that you face. Turn it over to him and watch Him work it out for His glory and your good. His gift to you inevitably becomes your gift to Him.
About the Author:
Julie Munro lives in New Zealand, her walk with the Lord has been over mountains and through valleys but He has remained her constant support and her ever loving Father.
Prayer: Lord thank you for the gift of your son Jesus. Thank you that no matter how difficult our life may seem you can and will bring your best for our lives for your glory and the greater good for all mankind. Amen.
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What is going on in your life right now that you have to completely turn over to God, trusting that He has a plan and is watching out for your best interests?
Julie, my heart goes out to you being so far from your only child, especially during the Christmas season.
I’ve had more time to adjust to the fact that mine (a son) is also living hundreds of miles away with his dear wife and my precious grandchildren. But it’s still hard. My hubby and I are grateful that they’re serving the Lord there as church planters, but it’s definitely a sacrifice for all of us.
It’s difficult to imagine what it meant to the Father to send His beloved Son to this earth, knowing what He’d have to go through for us. Oh, how He must love us to have done this!
Don’t be afraid to grieve this loss, even when others don’t understand. God does and He’ll be grieving along with you.
The hardest part of following my calling to the other side of the globe was separation from my recently widowed dad. Internet and Skype make a HUGE difference these days, but it’s still tough not sharing special moments with family in person.
So good to know God understands whatever we go through! 🙂