A LIGHT BEHIND THE DARKNESS

This article is not directed to persons whose stories decanted here. Also do not intend to frame their grief. This story is told to direct our eyes to see the rays of God’s presence behind the darkest dark in every problems and teardrops, through the God’s child heart response in every occurrence. Not only to the sweet occurrence, yet also the bitter, hurt, sad, pain, even the irreplaceable loss.

The first story: The storm takes turns

There was a woman. She was a beautiful, always cheery, and tough woman. In her fairly young age she was experiencing several problems that come and go. She was willing to leave-taking for several years from her beloved husband and the autism youngest 2nd child, just for the sake accompany his eldest son who had cancer and should be cared for in an abroad hospital. But that wasn’t made her discourage. Until eventually their hope bear a fruit. His eldest son otherwise cured! The family was reconvened. One problem has gone by but another problem ready to come up…..!

One day, this zestful women sentenced had a cancer and comes the time she should to struggling against the cancer that gnawed her body. After going through the various medical processes, struggling, hoping, and praying, eventually the doctor stating that he was cured. He was grateful and testifies to the many people about the miracles that happened to her. But not so long ago, one day, she was suddenly seizure and fainted. It turns out the cancer cells in the body have grown again and this time spread to the brain, breast, lung, and other body parts. Although the cancer was unable to depriving her spirit of life and hope, cannot be denied how hard the grief and the struggle that must be borne by this family.

The second story: The lover suddenly snatched away

They are a married couple who live in harmony and in simplicity. One day, they went with riding a motorcycle as they usually did. But that day, something unexpected happened. Their motorcycle collided with a truck. Be grateful that the wife was only got minor injuries. But what happened to the husband? The Beloved husband, spouses that given by God were killed on the spot! Now, the wife who was no longer young with a mediocre education, had to struggle to make a living for herself, as well as to the daughter and granddaughter, who also recently to be left by her husband forever.

Two stories above is a true story. Who are they? They are the ones who diligently worship and do what they can to be a blessing. They are the church volunteer who has served the Lord for many years, even when they are experiencing severe problems … until today!

Their story represents thousands and even millions of sad stories that experienced to the God’s children, even the servants of God. Why does God allow all the pain that happens in the some people, while the others do not have to experience it?

 

DO NOT JUDGE

Look what happened to Job in the book of Job, as well as those born blind that was healed by Jesus in John 9. Look how easily we as humans, suspect and concluded that what was experienced by our neighbors is because of sin, even curse. How easily we judge if there is someone who suddenly stricken by the disease and misfortune, means there is something wrong with that person so that God is displeased him. Is It True?

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. (Romans 14:10 NIV)

Here is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:12 NIV)

We have no right to judge and assess anyone life. The wisest thing we should do when we are hit by grave brother is consoling, praying, and help with what we can.

 

STRENGTH AND HOPE

Behind of two real stories that I mentioned above, there are the most beautiful thing that I catch. They do not become disappointed with the Lord! They still come to worship, still smiling, and still serve God. They stay strong and do not lose hope. That is the light that breaks through the darkness, which ultimately other people can catch it and be blessed by them.

Why are they able to stay strong? Because they always cried out to the Lord, and in the presence of God they always gain new strength.

When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. (Psalm 138:3 NIV)

And [his] brightness was as the light; He had rays [coming forth] from his hand; And there was the hiding of his power. (Habakkuk 3:4 ASV)

Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, (Colossians 1:11 NIV)

Why they could still have hope? Because they are always cling to God who is the source of hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.(Romans 15:13 NIV)

All the strength and hope that they have not based on the circumstances, but it comes from God. They may have many reasons to be angry, disappointed, and become discouraged. But they prefer to keep trusting God and always live in God’s presence. That is what strengthens them to remain faithful to God and keep serving the Lord in the midst of all the problems.

 

WALKING WITH HEAVENLY FATHER

Everyone has their own way of life. Various things can happen in that journey such as sadness, joy, failure, success, meeting, farewell, and the other the various dynamics of life. Whatever it is, everyone has a part and measuring respectively. We should not envy to the others journey that we think is more fun and easy, but also cannot look down on someone who was on the declined road in life. We should be grateful for everything we get in our journey, while did not forget to share it with others. Whatever is happening or will happen in our journey, as long as we walk with our Heavenly Father, we must believe that we would be safe with Him.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31 NIV)

If the number of hairs on our head was calculated by God and He knows if a piece fall out, much less against the other things that happens on the journey of our lives. And if Father is so concerned about a single fall hair that can be grow back, moreover for the safety and well-being of us, His children. There is no one thing can happen to us without Father’s permission. And if God allowed something happens, it means that everything is in His perfect calculations

“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. (Job 12:13 NIV)

What we must do is continue to live in hope and keep our faith until the end, so that others can see God’s light that radiates through our lives, even in the darkest situations!

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12 NIV)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7 NIV)

AMEN

By : Sella Irene – Beautiful Words

POSTED IN INDONESIA LANGUAGE : CAHAYA DI BALIK KEGELAPAN (click here)