Comfort

"http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nahum+1

The book of Nahum is written to the people of Ninevah and to the people of Judah. It is pronounces God’s judgment on and the impending destruction of the city for her oppression, cruelty, idolatry and wickedness. Ninevah is the capital of Assyria and the people of Judah – God’s chosen people – suffered under extreme cruelty in Assyria. Because of this, the book of Nahum would be a comfort to God’s people (consequently, the name ‘Nahum’ actually means comfort).

As I began reading, I could see the comfort brought through this prophecy, for Nahum reminded the people that God was a God who was jealous for his people, a refuge for those who trust in him. They were reminded that God would not let the guilty go unpunished – that he is a just God. They are reminded that God is sovereign and his righteous and just kingdom would triumph.

There’s a lesson for us here. The lesson is about our view of God in the midst of persecution, trial, tragedy, pain, and unexplainable circumstances. The lesson is about the importance of knowing and remembering the character of God – for it was in remembering this that comfort was found for the people of Judah. It is knowing and remembering who God is – that he is sovereign, wise, just, loving, faithful, a comforter, provider, ever-present refuge and strength – that helps us to press on through any circumstance. Not only do we have comfort, but knowing and trusting and putting our faith fully down on God takes our situation and response and makes it into a testament. When we turn to and rest in the character of God when we don’t know how to make sense of our world, then God is able to take our lives and our faiths in the midst of the storm and make them a testament for his glory. It is here where he begins to make beauty from our ashes.

This week a received two separate e-mails that demonstrate exactly what I described above. These two precious families are facing circumstances that are unexplainable - circumstances that punch you in the gut and drop you to your knees. And yet their faith in the character of their God – their intimate knowledge of all that he is – is so absolutely beautiful. This, I believe, is what believing God is all about. So I’ll share and let the stories speak on their own.

The first came from a precious friends of mine (I changed the names) – the situation explains itself – they wrote it together and their faith is astounding:

"Its with tender hearts that we write to you to tell you that our first ultrasound yesterday showed us that Sue was carrying twins. They should have been about 10 weeks; however we found them without a heartbeat, without blood flow, and the size of about 6-1/2 weeks. She will be admitted for surgery on Friday morning. I (Sue) praise God for TWO blessings He gave us, and for giving us the opportunity to know that we had twins. If I had miscarried prior to our appointment we may not have known. I also thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to have surgery (required because of the twins) done that will spare me of a painful, both physically and emotionally, miscarriage of two. I thank God for Bob who was very strong yesterday and even made me laugh. Before long, we were home having dinner, and playing what gospel songs we knew on the guitar (more like making noise). The night before, my dear friend came over, and taught me a song on the guitar. Its an old old church song, you may remember it. Its not sung much anymore. God is so good....God is soo good..God is sooo good, He's so good to me....

So, on the way home from the hospital yesterday, I had this sweet sweet song ringing in my ears and in my heart, because although its a sad time for us, God is still SO GOOD, and we praise Him for giving us just another way we can potentially reach out to someone else, as this situation is more common than anyone appreciates.

The father is so good. All day yesterday He reminded me that I (Bob) did not have to be strong, because He was strong enough. These are some of the words the Lord spoke to me yesterday; "I am your strong tower, I am your rock, I am enough, I am good, I am soverign, I am love." It was those truths that brought me through the day yesterday and are keeping me going today. The Lord gives and takes away; however my heart, my soul, and everything I am will cry out, blessed be the name of my Lord.

We also thank YOU so much for your sweet love. We are so blessed to know you and have you in our lives. The mourning will not last long, and we await what more the Lord has to give.

PS: I really like how Habakuk pulls through:

"When I heard it, my stomach did flips. I stammered and stuttered. My bones turned to water. I staggered and stumbled. I sit back and wait for Doomsday to descend on our attackers. Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I'm singing joyful praise to GOD. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on GOD's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!" 3:16-19

The second e-mail comes from a father and husband whose wife (a mom of teenagers) has a brain tumor. If there is no miracle, she will die – likely within days. It is one of the strongest statements of faith and hope I have ever read:

So many of you are praying for our family during these sacred times. A time when Heaven and Earth intersect. Many are asking "what can we do, how can we pray?"... Two thoughts come to mind as I consider those questions.

First, "Wait on the Lord". His Word is filled with references like Ps 130:5 "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." Pray Is 40:31 "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Pray for His peace and protection in the waiting.

Second, be in awe and worship at the "life force" God breathes into each of us. In Gen 2, when He "breathed the breath of life" into man, it was no small thing. I clearly see the miracle of "life itself" in my wife. Yes, she is a fighter; yes she has an incredible will to live... However, it is God that breathed that "life force" into her. It is His Spirit that keeps her going... Until His time... Until He calls her home, we simply wait on Him - in awe and worship."

My friends, I believe with all of my heart that this is the type of faith that pleases God – it is a faith that does not shrink back and be destroyed, but believes and is saved. I want you to know that you can have that type of faith. You only need to chase after God with everything in you. He will be the builder of that faith. Although it is my hope that we don’t, I believe that some day we will all face some circumstance that is so hard to understand. My question to you is where will you run? My prayer for you is that you run straight into the arms of God because you know exactly who your God is – for it is only in his arms you can find true comfort.

I ask you to keep these families in your prayers – God knows their names.

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels