Hard But Good

Our sermon today was titled "Hard But Good". It was based on 2 Corinthians 2:1-4. The message was very good and encouraged me about the conflicts in my life as well as my life in general. When we first moved to Okinawa and people would ask me how things were going I often responded "they've been hard, but good". That may sound silly, but it is the truth. I would also say "I guess if things weren't hard I wouldn't realize how much I need God". So we are almost finished with our first year in Japan and things are GOOD. Hard But GOOD. I was thinking over the events of this last year and I think the phrase "hard but good" can apply to many of them.

1. Moving to a foreign country away from family and friends. HARD because we won't see them very much for 3 years. GOOD because our little family of 4 will be strengthened as we depend on each other.

2. My mom having a pulmonary embolism/blood clots. HARD because I couldn't be there to care for her but GOOD because we could see God's protection in sparing her life and Praise Him for how well He cared for her.

3. Jeff becoming Department Head. HARD because it is a lot of hours and new responsibilities he's never had before GOOD because he's learning everyday and being used by God as a physician and leader in the FP clinic

4. Struggling to find friends and connect. HARD because I long for close friendship, and encouragement that only comes from someone who knows me and invests in me. GOOD because it forces me out and to depend on God to find me a place to fit in.

5. Flying internationally with 2 kids under 5 by myself. HARD I think these reasons are obvious GOOD because we got to go HOME and love and be loved on by our families and I gained confidence in my ability to do things out of my comfort zone.

6. My Dad being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease HARD because I want to help, and he is not getting good care and I want to yell at the neurologist, and tell him to treat my dad with love and respect just as he would want one of his family members to be treated. GOOD because we have seen such an outpouring of love from family and friends. 

7. My brother enduring the stress of his job. HARD because I want all good for him and I know what a hard working, loyal employee he is. GOOD because it gives me a chance to remind him of the one who cares for him. 

8. A dear friend finding out her cancer is back. HARD because enough is enough already and she should be able to enjoy her sweet husband and watch her beautiful girls grow up without dealing with anymore pain/meds/fear etc. GOOD because I get to see her become more Christ like with every battle she faces, and I get to see God's people come to her side and pray for her and care for her. 

9. A dear friend learning of her parent's separation. HARD because Wow we didn't see that coming and no matter what age you are it rocks  your foundation when parents split up GOOD because she is choosing to live with hope and courage for her kids and she can hold tight to Jesus and KNOW that HE is Good and He never changes.

10. Brent and Heather having twins. HARD because we're not there to watch them grow, oh and because raising one newborn is hard enough let alone two. GOOD because God created 2 more beautiful Singleys and they are being raised with love.

I'm sure you get the point. Life is hard but good. With the elections and financial crisis going on back home I'm somewhat thankful for living abroad right now. I guess what I felt God showed me today is that although the circumstances I live in may be hard or trying or scary HE is GOOD all the time. Everything is His and we can trust Him. 

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-- From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty. There's nothing my God cannot do (for you)

Owen learned that song in preschool and I find myself singing it a lot these days. I hope you all are encouraged today that God is for you and not against you and that He never changes. Have a great Sunday.