He Doesn’t Waste our Pain
Healing following the death of your spouse takes time. Allow yourself the freedom to grieve in your own way and your own time. Ask for help from a pastor, therapist or grief support group. No one can tell you how long you should grieve, or that you should be “over it” by now.
Hope Returns
But over time, you will again choose to move on. After awhile, I began to write seriously, volunteered with three-year-olds in Sunday School, and mentored a younger woman. A few years later I met the wonderful man who is now my husband. But I didn’t see any of that when in the throes of my grief.
And yet, God doesn’t waste our pain.
The late Senator Harold Hughes, an alcoholic depressive who was holding his gun, ready to kill himself when God stopped him, later claimed the promise that “… I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten.” Joel 2:25a (KJV)
My friend Susan, whose husband passed away a little over two years ago, just told me, “God is giving me new things in my life.” Not returning what was in the past, but giving new life, opportunities, interests.
God stores our tears; they are precious to Him and do not go unrecognized.
And if our God keeps track of all our sorrows, collects our tears in his bottle, and records each one in his book (Psalm 56:8) , they are not wasted. They may make us more tender to the pain of others; they may draw us closer to our heavenly Father who will never leave us; they prepare us to speak into the lives of others. If we acknowledge and consecrate our grief to the Father, not ignoring our loss or pain, we can submit it to Him for His purposes.
A new believer recently told me, “You encourage me because your life hasn’t been easy; you’ve gone through some very hard times, yet your faith has remained strong.” Praise God–He has not wasted my pain–and He will not waste yours.
I find comfort in the words of II Corinthians 1:3-5.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.” (NLT)
How have you seen God work through your pain to encourage others?
Another encouraging blog, Carol. I just returned from my tour of the national parks in the western states–my first trip without a traveling companion. I missed having Charles at my side, but I loved the adventure and I enjoyed my own room and being able to meet so many wonderful people. It was good for me not to ‘lean on’ anyone but God and as always He came through for me. I’m already signed up to tour the Canadian Rockies next year. I now know that I can travel without a family member or friend and still have an amazing time. God’s grace is sufficient for sure.
Karen, that’s wonderful. I’m so glad the trip was fun and meaningful, that you met lots of great people, and leaned on the God who is always there! And you’re already booked for the Canadian Rockies … good for you! So glad you shared this. Blessings!