I love C.H. Spurgeon. It seems he never fails to provide wisdom for whatever I am struggling with on any particular day. This is today's entry from Faith's Checkbook:
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For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all sections, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. (Amos 9:9)
The sifting process is going on still. Wherever we go, we are still being winnowed and sifted. In all countries God's people are being tried "like as corn is sifted in a sieve." Sometimes the devil holds the sieve and tosses us up and down at a great rate, with the earnest desire to get rid of us forever. Unbelief is not slow to agitate our heart and mind with its restless fears. The world lends a willing hand at the same process and shakes us to the right and to the left with great vigor. Worst of all, the church, so largely apostate as it is, comes in to give a more furious force to the sifting process.
Well, well! Let it go on. Thus is the chaff severed from the wheat. Thus is the wheat delivered from dust and chaff. And how great is the mercy which comes to us in the text, "Yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth"! All shall be preserved that is good, true, gracious. Not one of the least of believers lose anything worth calling a loss. We shall be so kept in the sifting that it shall be a real gain to us through Christ Jesus.
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I especially like the line, "Not one of the least of believers lose anything worth calling a loss." It is easy in the midst of all of this to pile up my "losses" -- most specifically in my mind, time as a wife and mother. So this was a good check for me today.
One day Brandon and I were talking and I got all excited when I realized if the Lord does choose to take me home soon (and ultimately, whenever), I may get to see my grandma again, and meet the siblings my mom miscarried, and meet Brandon's dad who died when Brandon was young, and then I thought of people like Spurgeon and the giants of the faith, and Paul! And Jesus. It's actually really exciting. I know I don't understand exactly how heaven works, but I know it will be glory, and having that to look forward to is really all that makes this life worthwhile.
Blessings all,
Amy
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13 comments:
Amy,
You have to be one of the most amazing young women I have ever known. Keep your faith, I know that is what is getting you through this, and you are right, either sooner or later, glory awaits you, and your parents should be so proud to know that they have raised a daughter that earth or heaven will be proud to have!
I keep checking on you through here, as often as I can, but know that you are constantly on my mind. I even get asked a lot about how you are doing by my friends at DFS who have never met you, but remember your sweet voice answering the phone at our old office!
Keep your chin up girl, and keep your faith. I know that has to seem hard some days, but I also know that no matter how weak you may feel physically, you have the inner strength you need to get you through.
Anna Beckett
Talk about Giants of the Faith, Amy - YOU are one of them.
much love to you,
chanelle
You continue to amaze and inspire me, Amy! My prayers are with you tonight.
Amy in AZ
Amy,
I saw these verses the other day when I was reading and they made me think of you. Reading your update just now made me think of them again.
Philippians 1:20-21
According to my earnest expectation and my hope,that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body,whether it be by life,or by death.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 4:11&13
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned,in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Always keep Christ before your eyes and the river becomes shallow.
Praying for you Amy!
With Love, Abby
Amy,
Thank you for sharing your life and heart. I remember Brandon from PHC and was so sorry to hear about everything your family is going through. I can't imagine what that suffering must be like. Your post about sifting stood out to me, because I was just reading Luke 22:31 in my devotions today, where Jesus says, "Simon, Simon! Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail." What a guarantee of victory, to have our Savior praying for us!
I have had my own sifting in the last year and a half, as I have lost both of my children--one to SIDS, the other a miscarriage. I just want to encourage you about the constancy of God's love, and the goodness of his plan. So often sufferings help us know him better, and that is more worthwhile than anything else on earth. He can give joy and peace regardless of circumstances, and we know that his final reward will be glorious beyond our wildest imaginings!
It is so encouraging to see the testimony of your faith as you walk through your valley. I will certainly pray for you, that the Lord will restore you to health to care for your family, but no matter what, that he will fill you with himself and give you "life abundantly" as he promised.
Joanna Wright
What a beautiful spirit! :) Still praying for your healing.
Lacey
Amy,
I am continually amazed by your faith. Even through this horrible ordeal, you are still encouraging others. God has great things planned for you and I pray that you will remain faithful to our faithful Father.
Blessings,
Amy,
Thank you for once again encouraging me through your writing.
God is truly pouring out His grace on you to enable you to minister to others like that.
This song has been running through my head the last week and I thought i would share it with you:
O soul are you weary and troubled
no light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Savior
and life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Love and prayers,
Gina Dunn
I just returned from a weeklong work thing in Denver...I called home several times to get your news, but was so eager to get to a computer to hear it from YOU.
I have often been in awe at your spirit throughout this trial, and I know I am one among many. You are so dear to all of us.
I pray that God will sustain you even more than before...that you will practically float through the remainder of this struggle and be home with your loved husband and baby so very soon.
And that the doctors can find some option to relieve your pain today during the biopsy.
My dear sister in Christ,
Though we have never met, prayers and tears have been poured out on your behalf. I attend church with Rachel D. and she has kept us abreast of your situation. Similar to you, I am a 23 year old mom of a 11 month old baby, and it is hard to fathom what is must be like to endure this trial you are experiencing. Yet our God is so GOOD, so MERCIFUL and perfectly WISE. Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face. He is showing you all of these things and I rejoice for that. I will pray for your healing, for strength, and for your family as they endure this with you. I can't wait to meet you someday, whether it is here on earth or when we are in Heaven worshipping our Lord together.
With love through Christ,
Esther Lynn
Amy~ I continue to keep you in my thoughts my prayers. My the Lord bless you and keep you during this trying time.
~Caroline
Your faith inspires me Amy. You are an amazing young woman. And I'm continuing to pray for you.
Dear Amy,
You are so strong. You are absolutely Beautiful and faithful in your faith. You have inspired me and given me a new perspective toward heaven and how to enjoy every moment we have in life. This is the day the lord has made. :) Stay the way you are.
I am so glad you got my package. boy that took a long time! I am praying for you continuously.
Lots of love, alea
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