In the Field of Grace

by Tessa Afshar

Sometimes the sweetest things in life rise up out of the worst things in life.”

The Lord helps us bear all our tribulations. He does not remove the sting of them. He does not wipe away their pain. But He helps us forebear.

“Chance is God’s way of showing up without making an announcement.”

Boaz kissed her on the mouth. “Hush, beloved. You’ll make yourself sick. Why all this sorrow? Do you think I cannot wait?” “I fear you’ll have to wait forever.” “Then I will. As long as I have you and Obed, I can bear anything.” Ruth remembered how God had once taught her the lesson of acceptance. Acceptance with joy. Did He want her to accept her sickness? To be joyful in spite of it? It seemed an impossible requirement.

I sometimes have this fear with my Lew.

As the rest of her family and friends returned to the normal routines of everyday life, Ruth had to contend with a shrunken world.

As do I. I hate that I don't feel well enough to do and be a part of everything else.

I don’t want to be sustained! I want to be healed.”

“Sustain me, Lord, through the best of life and the worst. Help me cling to You. Help me remember that although my flesh and my heart may fail, You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Carry me and rescue me even when I fight You. Overcome my struggles. Quiet me until I become like a weaned child with his mother.”