Friday Five: On Overcoming

Sally from RevGalBlogPals writes:

I am preparing this Friday 5 just before I take Chris into hospital for a cardioversion, right now we are all a little apprehensive. But this whole thing has got me thinking, so many of us are overcomers in one way or another, so many have amazing stories to tell of God’s faithfulness in adversity. And so I bring you this Friday 5…

1.Have you experienced God’s faithfulness at a difficult time? Tell as much or as little as you like…
Many, MANY times God has been there in the hard places. A broken engagement. A church staff position which was so disastrous for me that I was convinced I had no gifting for public ministry. The death of my father. Worries during health scares. Struggling with life decisions.

In each situation, just at the right time, God gave a picture, or a snippet of a Bible verse, a phrase of a song. And, as I needed it most, friends to listen and walk beside me through me. (Some of you are reading this – you know who you are… thanks again for being faithful!)

2. Have you experienced a dark night of the soul, if so what brought you through?

Resting. Waiting. At times, ceasing from my usual pursuits and activities in order to hear God more clearly. Pouring out my heart in writing, and in song at the piano. Many boxes of tissues and good chocolate!

3. Share a Bible verse, song, poem that has brought you comfort?

It’s a toss-up between “Haven’t got time for the pain” by Carly Simon and “The Valley Song” by Jars of Clay. Here’s part of the lyrics…

Carly:
Suffering was the only thing that made me feel I was alive
Though that’s just how much it cost to survive in this world
‘Til you showed me how, how to fill my heart with love
How to open up and drink in all that white LIGHT
Pouring down from the heaven
I haven’t got time for the pain
I haven’t got room for the pain
I haven’t the need for the pain
Not since I’ve known you…

Jars of Clay
When death like a Gypsy comes to steal what I love
I will still look to the heavens I will still seek your face

But I fear you aren’t listening because there are no words
Just the stillness and the hunger for a faith that assures

I will sing of Your mercy
That leads me through valleys of sorrow
To rivers of joy

4. Is “why suffering” a valid question?

If it isn’t, then a whole bunch of folks in the Bible must not be “biblical”! Start with Job… David… Jeremiah… even the Pharisees (when they weren’t being duplicitous…) I would say that the human race has always experienced it and always will until Jesus comes back!

5. And on a lighter note- you have reached the end of a dark and difficult time- how are you going to celebrate?

Same way I made it through – with songs, people and chocolate!
Deb