Welcome to Friday Food! A little bit of food for your soul…every Friday. For the next few months we are looking at “Downloads from Heaven”. In these “downloads” we are contemplating what it would be like if we got a message from God. We will be exploring messages from God about pain and suffering and healing and other topics too. When you read these “downloads” you will notice that they are in quotes. This is to help you think from your heart NOT your head. Don’t get caught up in whether or not God, (however you understand God) actually said these things. Just let them speak to your heart. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Here is today’s download:
What would it be like, if in your most difficult moments, God said to you:
“Continue to rest in my goodness, grace and love. In this difficult time, it is important to remember that I love you, and that my Spirit is in you. Let my indwelling Spirit guide and comfort you. Confess and share your suffering with me. Know that in your suffering all things are made new. Do not worry about the why of your suffering. Know that in your suffering your wounds are cleansed and healed and newness can be yours. Do not dismay at how long this may take as some of your suffering has deep roots and will take a while for your to surrender to healing and cleansing. Your wounds are systemic and my healing is whole and complete. Take your time. Rest with me and in me. I am making all things new. I love you.”
Today’s Download from Heaven reminds us that we all suffer though different moments and that there is nothing logical or rational about our pain and suffering. Sometimes when we think about healing, especially when we hear about healing stories, it often seems that healing happens in an instant. That is certainly true but many of our wounds are deep and take a while to heal. In today’s Download from Heaven we are reminded of God’s goodness, grace and love even in our suffering. I would love to hear your stories and struggles of healing in the comments below.
What a blessing to receive this today after learning of Gwen Shell’s passing. What a great reflection for me to carry with me this week as Randy and I spend most of the week with two of our grandsons, one of whom has autism and can be a challenge.
I read a quote from Stephen Colbert when he spoke of losing his father and two brothers closest to his age when he was 10. He said, “How can you not accept God’s suffering when you gladly accept the blessings?” After a few years of first being a rebel, he said he learned to run toward his pain, and in that he found his salvation, and his peace.
This presidential election process is reaching a painful level, especially when I know that billions of dollars will be spent. If every campaign dollar would have to be matched to a charity like ‘feed hungry children,’ it would have a huge impact. That’s campaign reform I could support.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jan and glad this was a blessing for you today. I hope that my Friday messages will feed our souls during good times and bad. And with the presidential election process gearing up, I know I can use a little food for my soul. Blessing with your grandchildren.