This feels like a good time to throw this post out there as we get ready to leave Nicaragua and head to Costa Rica.
For those of you that know me, you might have noticed how much I despise that word. Lots of people would say it’s just a word you say to your coworkers when you’re leaving for the day, your family as you leave the house for a short while, or your friends when it’s time to head home after a great outing. But, to me it’s permanent. To someone who has been absolutely petrified of the thought of losing his closest relationships, this word means “this is the last time I will ever see you, so have a nice life.” I’ve actively avoided using this word and cringe anytime someone, who simply doesn’t realize my disposition this word, uses it for me. In short, goodbye has plagued me for most of my life.
Ironically, God has sent me on this trip which will, and already has, lead to many heartfelt goodbyes. The truth of the matter is that I will most likely never see most, if not all, of these people ever again. As much as that sucks to say (because they are absolutely amazing people that have taught me so much and helped me grow as an individual) I don’t feel the same threat that I once did from this word. Not just the word but also the meaning it has always represented in my life. “Have a nice life” will always be a hard thing to say especially when you have a strong connection with that person; it’s the love that God gives us that makes this process pull at heart strings. But, when your time is done with that person, then your time is done. God has given me this revelation and freedom from this word.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2nd Corinthians 3:17) For those that know and call him “Lord” there is freedom in the Holy Spirit which is given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus! No longer are we subject to our feels or bondage of Earthly vices. A word or the phrase it represents no longer has that hold on me because there is freedom in Jesus. A freedom that covers every sin and every pain the heart holds. A freedom that only washes that sin away but also provides righteousness by the grace of God and the everlasting sacrifice of Jesus on the cross!
For those that are struggling, remember that God is the “God of all comfort” (2nd Corinthians 1:3). And, “If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” (2nd Corinthians 1:6-7).
God permits suffering for growth and for our benefit. And if you’re at the point where you think you’ve had enough and are ready for your comfort, just remember that He is suffering with you in this. He doesn’t want you to keep suffering, just as a parent wants their child to be comforted He also understands the importance of discipline. I don’t know what God is trying to teach you in this season of suffering, but I do know that if you have accepted Jesus as your lord and savior the suffering is for good and you will be a stronger light at the other end!
