Pain Mingled With Joy

In my year-end post, I referenced a previous entry I'd written the year before. In it, I shared how God had taught me much about surrender that year. I'd like to say that was the end of the story; that I learned what it means to give up myself and my desires for the glory of God---end of story. But that's not the way it is. I'm learning more and more that surrender is not a one-time lesson. It's an ongoing, repeated, necessary, painful part of one's walk with God. But from it comes such sweet release and fellowship with Him.

So often I'm prone to tell God how it ought to be. I give Him my ideas and plans and await His stamp of approval. I firmly grasp the things...the people... of life, wishing everything to remain the same.

And while I wish we could go through life pain-free...never having to say goodbye to loved ones, never feeling the heartache from missing someone so dear...in my heart I know that there is no better place to be than in the center of God's will. It's the cry of my heart for myself...my family...and yes, my friends.

While my heart is breaking; while the tears are still fresh on my cheeks, I can joyfully say that I'm thankful for friends who likewise desire God's will, no matter the cost. I'm thankful that while it isn't easy, they obediently embrace His dreams for them. It hurts. It's difficult. But they know...and they remind me...that the God who calls us is faithful. The One who calls us will give us...and is...everything we need. The God who has been sufficient in the past is sufficient for us now.

Thank You, Father, for placing us in relationship with others. Thank You for knitting our hearts together in a way that is inseparable...that comes only from You. Thank You for using our friends to spur us on and direct our hearts to You. We entrust them...our friendship...and our very lives to You, knowing and believing that You are good.