Monday, September 29, 2008

It's Been A While

It's been a while since I posted and for those who have been checking in on us and wondering... I apologize. I don't know that I've been actively avoiding it... just haven't had the words lately. I think about Jacob everyday ... but those are my thoughts... not to be shared at this point. Sorry. As I was doing my Experiencing God devotion book this morning though I came across a story that I thought I'd share because it mirrors what we went through with Jacob and I thought it might be good for some of you out there reading this blog. So here it goes:

"When our only daughter, Carrie, was 16, the doctors told us she had an advanced case of cancer. We had to take her through chemotherapy and radiation. We suffered along with Carrie as we watched her experience the severe sickness that accompanies the treatments. Some people face such an experience by blaming God and questioning why He doesn't love them anymore. Carrie's cancer treatments could have been a devastating experience for us. Did God still love us? Yes. Had His love changed? No, He still cared for us with an infinite love.
When you face circumstances like this, you can ask God to explain what is happening. We did that. We asked Him what we should do. I raised all of those questions, but I never said, "Lord, I guess You don't love me."
Long before this expereince with Carrie, I had made a determination: no matter what my circumstances, I would never look at my situation except against the backdrop of the cross. In the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God forever convinced me that He loves me. For this reason during Carrie's illness I could go before the Heavenly Father and see behind my daughter the cross of Jesus Christ. I said, "Father, don't ever let me look at my life and question Your love for me. Your love for me was settled on the cross. That has never changed and will never change." Our love relationship with the Heavenly Father sustained us through an extremely difficult time."


How true that has been in our lives as well. Now when I think of Jacob, I will think of him with the backdrop of the cross. It is God who gave and took away. It is God who sustained us. It is God who loved us enough to draw us into a relationship with Him. It is God who is to be loved and praised regardless of the situation in front of us... because behind that situation is the backdrop of the cross. There is nothing that can happen in the foreground that can negate or over rule that which is in the background. The cross trumps it all. Thank you for the cross!

12 comments:

Destini said...

amen...

My prayer is that you would continue to feel that love from the Lord and crave his presence always.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the post. It was beautiful. Lys, Tom and I didn't take pictures of Jacob's name or create anything to show on your blog, but we always remember him, and consider ourselves fans of his and all of you.
Lys was looking at one of our all time favorite sights - that of the sun rays piercing the clouds and shooting to earth with what we call 'a mission.' I guess i wanted to wish you all the greatest love and peace on your mission. Jacob's life ripples are ever widening because of you guys. God's rays shine even in the darkest hours. hope this makes sense. anyway... all our love, A. Linda

Anonymous said...

Thank you. Thank you for your wisdom and faith. Thank you for courage to tell your story. You are an inspiration to all.

Lisa

Steve+Marie Douglas said...

THE CROSS... so true! I just want to say you are in my heart everyday - along with the aching pangs in my heart I think of you!
PRAYING DAILY...
Marie

Anonymous said...

Is this the book by Henry Blackaby? I have been looking for a book to help me with some deep and personal questions. Do you recommend it?

Nilia

Anonymous said...

Amen!!

dollymama said...

...only at the cross could anyone find such strength amidst such a loss...only at the cross! Thank you Jesus, for carrying that cross!

Michelle Jamie said...

Hi,

I have you on RSS feed but I still come and just look at Jacob’s Pictures and read some of my favourite posts.

One of the biggest things I learned from the life of Jacob is God has his timing. We can struggle and fight to get things done in our time but nothing will happen until it is supposed to.

P.S. I've not forgotten about the gift with the photo's...the lady that was helping me had a baby and I'll be having my third (Lord willing) in 7.5 months time. So it could take a while longer than expected. Forgive me.

Lovingly praying for you still

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Karen,
Your heart is beautiful. Thank you for this post. I think of you and Jacob every day of my life. I love you friend and continue to pray for all of us:)
Kim

Steve+Marie Douglas said...

JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW I'M THINKING OF YOU
Marie

Steve+Marie Douglas said...

Just want to say I'm thinking of you! YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS :)

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hi Karen,

Just checking in to let you know I am thinking about you and sending some love this morning. And thanking you again for sharing Jacob with us all out here. I think of him often and smile when I do.

Love, Laurie in Ca.