Tough times

Everyone has experienced tough times in their life. We've all faced hurdles and challenges. Life is not easy, it's not fair...that's just how it is.

It's so easy to get all "Why me" and angry during these times. I'm so guilty of that. I'm reading a wonderful book right now called Refined by Fire written by Brian and Mel Birdwell. Brian is a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He suffered 3rd degree burns over most of his body and came so close to not surviving. I've seen him and his wife speak and their story of his recovery from that day is gut wrenching, encouraging, humbling, and uplifting. The book is about their story, of the events of that day and how they leaned on the Lord to get through that terrible time in their lives. I highly recommend this book!!!!

Anyway...things have been a little difficult in the Southern home lately (thanks economy) and while I was reading the book, there was a passage from the most amazing book of all, the Bible, that really struck me. Jesus says:

"In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 26:33

It's a guarantee that everyone will, at some point in his of her life, experience hardship or pain. Those are the moments when we desperately need to learn to lean on God's strength. ~ Mel Birdwell, "Refined by Fire

Wow. That verse from the Bible and her words were exactly what I needed to hear tonight. It's all so true. When I'm feeling down about ANYTHING...I just have to remember that Jesus has overcome it. That it is only temporary. God is not going to give me anything I cannot handle and will be with me every.step.of.the.way.

I'm only human so of course I have my good and bad days dealing with any tribulations. Today has been a bad one. In "Refined by Fire", Mel mentions a song that she listened to while in the hospital with her husband. The lyrics really spoke to me and I started bawling as I read them tonight:

When the fire of life leaves you so dry
that your eyes have no tears left to cry;
when heartache leaves you wondering why.
Or wondering how you'll survive!
When you've grown too tired to run the race;
find your strength is gone without a trace;
when you've reached that lonely desperate place;
you have reached the point of grace!

I will meet you there where your striving ends!
I will hold you there in My embrace!
You will find that place where true joy begins
when you've reached the point of grace!
When you've reached the point of grace!

When your hopes and dreams begin to fade;
disappointment clouding all the plans you've made;
feeling lonely, broken and afraid;
it seems so long since you have seen the light of day!
When it seems like every trial you face leaves you one step closer to the place.
where you fall away or reach for my embrace...
Child, you have reached the point of grace!

Just let go and you will see.
Just how mighty love can be!
Child you're greatest strength is when you're weak,
looking up from your brokenness to me!
~ Dennis Jernigan "The Point of Grace"

I think this might be my theme song on those days when life is throwing lemons and my blender is broken!!!! What an amazing song!!!

I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't done any reading (other than blogs and such) in well over a year. Acutually...I'm sure it's been much longer than that. For some reason, this past week, I decided to open "Refined by Fire" and finally read it. I got it when we went to see Brian and Mel Birdwell talk back in the fall of 07 and it's been collecting dust since then. I KNOW God had me save it for when I needed to read it. He knew right now would be the perfect time. That I would need to read these words. Such a comfort and answer to prayer.