Joy through pain

Today, we (Aussie band Alabaster Box and I) drove from West Virginia to Buffalo, New York (near Niagara Falls).  On my driving shift I began listening to the sermon from Mark Driscoll, Luke: Jesus the Prophet.  He began sharing from 1 King 17 about the widow at Zarepath.  Elijah the prophet was sent by God to bang on her door to ask her for some food and water.  The land was in a severe famine and the widow told Elijah that she actually only had enough flour and oil for one more meal for her and her son.

Elijah responded with

Her act of obedience resulted in her being provided for until the famine was broken.  Her flour jar and oil bottle NEVER ran dry while they were in need.  She began to see the goodness of God.

Later the story takes another twist… as life does… her ONLY son became ill and died, while the prophet was still staying there.  Her first response was obviously hurt and out of devastation as she cries out to Elijah thinking God had come to destroy anything good that she had left on this earth.

Elijah, who had a relationship with God took the young boy to his room and cried out to God.

He responded by inquiring of God rather then accusing God.  He then pleaded with the Lord for the boys life to be returned to him.  And miraculously the child came back to life!  A miracle on earth happened that day!

This past week I have had the somber privilege of watching one of my closest friends Jenna go through the process of finding out she had a brain tumor and then be operated on.  (Please catch up on the story here through previous blogs.)  I got to see a young women go from a pretty normal, healthy happy life (bar a few major headaches!) be thrown into turmoil.  And as you may have read, all of us who have been able to visit her have been so encouraged by her faith and joy amidst such a trial and her God-given ability to choose joy rather then despair.   She, along with all of us, have cried out to God this past week for her life and for healing.  We could get angry at God like the widow did for allowing this to happen.  We could get discouraged and angry at God for whatever painful situation we are being thrown into right now in our own lives.  Its ultimately our choice… and our reaction determines our demeanor.  Although, I have never been through something so life threatening or even remotely as difficult, I can honestly say after watching and hearing Jenna’s stories this past week, I have watched someone ‘Do all things through Christ who gives them strength’  (Joy’s paraphrase of Phil 4:13.)

Since the operation it has been tough.  She is and has severe pain obviously in her head but also in her right foot and leg.  I received this update text tonight:

So thanks for your prayers and support.  Be encouraged today.  We can have faith that God will provide for our circumstances right now.