SOWING IN TEARS....part 1

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalm 126:5

Many times in the Christian life we are called upon to suffer for the LORD.

Suffer? you might ask? ...to be partakers of his Glory: that we may know him and the power of his grace working in us.

Romans8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Heartbreak...of the LORD? Sadness...of the LORD? Loneliness...of the LORD?

Yes, if it is the work of grace in your heart or another that must be accomplished.

For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
II Corinthians 4:6

Are you willing to suffer for the sake of another souls salvation? Are you willing for yourself...to know the LORD and understanding of his ways. Suffering teaches us so much.

We learn thankfulness when all is then well. We learn the compassion of a tender heart. A more dedicated prayer life. A humbled spirit knowing our Lord Jesus himself suffered for us.

Is not the light afflictions we suffer, as nothing compared to what the LORD Jesus saved us from at Calvary!

We love him, , because he first loved us. I John 4:19

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him: and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:3-5

As I examined myself in this time with Stephen. My heart was humbled with the knowledge of God's saving grace shown and given to me upon my desire. It was there for my taking. He had already suffered for me..already paid my sin debt.

Could I not take with a loving heart of trust what he had dealt with me? As Job, could I, would I retain my integrity. As Psalm 107 repeats...

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

And so as my journey continues in walking with trust in the LORD. He reveals his loving kindness in manifold ways. Through his wondrous WORD, through people,
through his creation surrounding me and through his Holy Spirit of comfort within.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
I Peter 4:12-13

I met with Madame S. (our English social worker) at the hospital. We spoke with a nurse and Pediatrician. The doctor confirmed that Stephen was not well and it appears by examination and his distress that without surgery he would not live long. He was put back on oxygen support, for comfort.
He was to be transferred back to the other hospital within the week.

Kathryn came by the house that evening. We had a very good witness about the LORD once again. She cried as we shared the Lord's sufferings and how unworthy we are to partake of all his goodness..and yet he so lovingly calls us over and over again to repent of our sins and to take of his forgiveness.

In my prayers for her that night I pleaded for her soul to respond. Oh, if she were to get saved! What joy I would have...and what comfort it would give my heart. How my grief would be assuaged.

The LORD was indeed working upon this dear ones heart.

Would she accept? or will she as so many who hear the call but do not respond, go on with their lives of rejection.

Oh, how I pleaded in my prayers for her with tears.