My precious baby girl received 3 immunizations this week, 2 of which were given through the needle. With each poke her eyes widened in surprise and what followed was a piercing, heart-wrenching cry reserved only for the most traumatizing of situations.
As I held her hand, stroked her cheek, and kissed her forehead, she looked up at me with eyes that seemed to ask, "Why is this happening, Mommy?" The pain she was going through made absolutely no sense to her. But she doesn't know what I know. She doesn't know that without these vaccinations she is at risk for all kinds of horrendous illnesses like seizures, blood infections, brain damage, paralysis, or even death. She doesn't realize that I chose for her to go through this pain because I know what's best for her. I chose this because I love her.
Every time my children are vaccinated I am reminded of God's love. There are times when my heavenly Father puts me in painful situations that don't seem to make sense from my earthly perspective. When I am given a trial, I often say to God, "Why is this happening?" But I don't know what He knows. I don't understand how this pain can "work out for my good" and ultimately make me more like Christ. But God does.
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." ~James 1:2
When the time of tribulation comes, we do not have to face it alone. Because of Christ's work on the cross we have complete access to the God of all comfort Who has promised to never leave us or forsake us.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions...For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." ~2 Corinthians 1: 4a & 5 [emphasis mine]
How encouraging to know that throughout any trial we may face, it is not because the world is spinning out of control and God is powerless to stop it. He actually chooses them for us because He knows what's best for us...because He loves us.
This was very encouraging Becky!!! Thank you!
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