[BBC List] most blogs are tripe, but not this one
Mike Abendroth
bbcpastor at bbcchurch.org
Wed Mar 29 13:55:47 EAST 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
A Personal Word: Trial, Preparation, and the Grace of God
(By Adam Bailie)
My wife and I were informed last Wednesday morning that our kind Heavenly
Father had seen fit to end the life of our yet unborn little one.
His choice is no cause for alarm, for He alone is the giver of life, and in
Him all things are held together. His glory is not only in place, but it is
magnified in His sovereign control. There is no problem in our minds or
hearts with God’s decision for our lives. He is perfectly good, and He is
perfectly sovereign. Therefore, what He has chosen to do is under His
control and represents His goodness towards us. We are praising the King
with our grief.
Nonetheless, the emotion of grieving parents is present, even if parents for
only three or four weeks to an unknown child with and unknown gender and an
unknown name. An expectation that goes unmet is a cause for sickness in the
heart. We covet your prayers for the filling up of our hearts with praise
for our King. We were not there when He formed the deeps; we were not there
when He laid the foundations of the earth. We are not and we will not
question His plan. He gives and He takes away, and we will bless His name in
both. Baby Bailie #1 has been given and taken away in a short span of time.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
The greatest regret of this entire circumstance is the lack of preparation
on my part for the kind hand of God to bring trial. When there was a thought
of a possible miscarriage, I was quick to rationalize the possibility away
for the sake of “encouragement” to my wife. The ultimate fruit of that
response was not encouragement in a Biblical sense, but rather a worldly
perspective regarding the possibility of a trial. We, as believers, do not
“hope for the best.” We hope in the eternal power and goodness of God, which
assures us that "God causes all things to work together for good [meaning
His glory and our sanctification] to those who love God, to those who are
called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).
James 1: 2-12 outlines the appropriate perspective regarding trials for the
believer.
1. Trails are a cause for joy...all of them (v. 2).
2. Why? Because trials are for the testing of our faith (v. 3).
3. Endurance through a trial will have a perfect or maturing work in our
faith (v. 4).
4. Wisdom for applying the above perspectives is given by God through prayer
(v. 5).
5. Faith in the above perspectives in this prayer for wisdom is essential
(v. 6-7).
6. The fruit of a lack of faith in God’s use of trials for good will result
in instability in every way (v. 8).
7. Trial or no trial, each believer should live in the reality of God’s
sovereign control over life and death (v. 9-11).
8. The ultimate blessing for those who persevere in faith through trials is
the eternal life given to those who love God (v. 12).
With these perspectives firmly planted in our hearts and our renewed minds,
we press on in faith, trusting the One who is sovereign over all
trials--past, present, and future. Our prayer is that the storms of life, no
matter when they come, will be cause for joy, as they test and perfect our
faith, by God's master design, preparing us for our eternal life with Him.
Our desire is not that others would feel sorry for us, but rather that they
would worship our King more heartily, for He is worthy of our praise.
In our comfort-seeking culture, it's easy for us to think of pain and
adversity in only negative terms. But God asks us to trust Him, and to see
trials as a positive, sanctifying work of His grace.
Are you preparing your eyes to see trials through the lenses of God’s grace?
Are you preparing your mind to think rightly regarding the trials God will
bring to your home? Are you preparing your heart to worship God in His
infinite glory in the time of trial?
The issue is not if trials will come, but when. And the question is how will
we respond to the loving hand of God, even when He purifies us through
hardship? My prayer for my own heart, and for yours too, is that we will
face such circumstances with grace-endowed assurance and joy, even in the
midst of temporal grief, for only this response will bring the highest
praise and glory to our great and good God.
Praise You in this Storm (HYPERLINK "http://www.castingcrowns.com/"Casting
Crowns)
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen"
and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away
Chorus:
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away
Chorus:
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
Grace and peace.
posted by Faith & Practice at HYPERLINK
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n-and.html"9:24:00 AM
19 Comments:
HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/17273396"Nate Williams said...
Bails,
Thanks so much for the post. Bethany and I have been personally challenged
and encouraged by watching the way you and Renee have responded to what God
has brought into your life. We'll continue to pray for you and rejoice in
our sovereign God.
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/17117640"Leonard M. Peeler said...
Dear Adam,
Your Aunt Jayna and I went through the same experience following Chad’s
birth a number of years ago. We understand how you feel and what you are
going through. Our love and prayers are with you!
Adam, I thought of Second Corinthians 1:4 as I read your letter…“Who
comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God.” What a great comfort our sweet Lord is in time of
difficulty!
We love you both and are here for you.
Uncle Lennie
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/3124082"Scott Aniol said...
Adam, you are in our prayers.
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
DUNDEE
William Cowper, 1731-1800
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sov'reign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/13568012"Bails said...
Scott,
That is a great song! Thank you for bringing it to mind. Renee and I have
also meditated on those lyrics.
Also, I haven't been vocal in the music discussion, but thank you for your
participation. The spirit in which those discussions have gone on is both
refreshing and, I believe, glorifying to our Christ.
Grace and peace,
AHB
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/14470121"guscalvinbass said...
What a great encouragement you are to me my brother!
You've said, "Are you preparing your eyes to see trials through the lenses
of God’s grace? Are you preparing your mind to think rightly regarding the
trials God will bring to your home? Are you preparing your heart to worship
God in His infinite glory in the time of trial?"
I praise God that you have!
Gus
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/20322484"Tim Bolognone said...
Mercy Anew
by Bob Kauflin and Mark Altrogge
Sovereign Grace Music
Every morning that breaks
There are mercies anew
Every breath that I take
Is Your faithfulness proved
And at the end of each day
When my labors are through
I will sing of Your mercies anew
When I've fallen and strayed
There were mercies anew
For you sought me in love
And my heart you pursued
In the face of my sin
Lord, You never withdrew
So I sing of Your mercies anew
CHORUS:
And Your mercies, they will never end
For ten thousand years they'll remain
And when this world's beauty has passed away
Your mercies will be unchanged
And when the storms swirl and rage
There are mercies anew
In affliction and pain
You will carry me through
And at the end of my days
When Your throne fills my view
I will sing of Your mercies anew
CHORUS:
And Your mercies, they will never end
For ten thousand years they'll remain
And when this world's beauty has passed away
Your mercies will be unchanged
Bails,
Allyson and I just read your post. After tears and prayer for grace and
comfort for you and Renee we rejoiced in your salvation! That you would give
praise and thanks to God in the shadow of suffering testifies to His
transforming power and grace! Your humility and willingness to be open
encourage us a ton.
Hebrews 3:12,13 - Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil,
unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort
one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may
be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Brother, (and sister if Renee reads this ;), thank you for exhorting us
today! We NEEDED this Word filled reminder, and God has graciously used you
"today" in our hearts. We praise Him for His mercy.
Know that our love and prayers are with you. (although they may be a little
jet-lagged coming from the east coast :)
Love,
Tim and Ally
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/15490780"Mathew Sims said...
I have been encouraged by your post. I will keep your family in prayer
during this time. Truly God is good; trust Him and He will strengthen your
hearts.
Mathew S.
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/20823335"Matt Herbster said...
Adam,
I said a prayer for you as I read this. Julie and I will continue to keep
you in our prayers.
It was good to see your parents at YWC here at the Wilds.
Matt Herbster
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/20847359"Jim Newcomer said...
Adam,
Lorie and I are praying for you and your dear wife. How we marvel at God's
grace at work in your hearts. He is calling attention to His own glory and
fame through you both.
A prayer from the pen of Jerry Bridges has ministered to my heart in the
darkest of valleys:
Lord, I am willing
To receive what You give;
To lack what You withhold;
To relinquish what You take;
To suffer what You inflict;
To be what You require.
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/18428686"Bixby Bulletin said...
Adam,
Jennie and I understand. After almost 15 years of marriage we rejoiced in
the discovery of and sorrowed the loss of my wife's first pregnancy (8
weeks) all in the same day this past January.
When God healed our barreness of ten years by sending us a little baby girl
to adopt, we named her Patience. Patience, I think, is "the quiet submission
of my will and emotions to God and truths about God even in circumstances
beyond my control."
In our miscarriage just two months ago, once again the testing of our faith
produced patience.
It is apparantly doing likewise in you and your wife. To God be the glory.
Bob Bixby
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/13484597"vivere christus said...
Bails,
I wish I could say that I understand what you are going through, but I know
that I do not. Your words were an encouragment and challenge to my heart at
a time when I should be the one encouraging you. Know that Tiff and I will
be praying for you and Renee as the God of all comfort upholds you with His
grace.
You have demonstrated God's sustaining grace, and He has been magnified in
your lives.
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
(Isa. 26:3)
chris white
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/6973794"BlackCalvinist said...
I have prayed for continued grace and comfort for you and your wife, Adam.
May the God of all peace continue to uphold you and your wife through this
trying time.
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931801"Jason Ehmann said...
Adam,
Thanks for magnifying the greatness of God through trials. We are praying
for you both. May the Lord enclose you behind and before and lay His hand
upon you. (Ps 139:5)
Jason & Paula
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/7641615"David said...
Adam,
I am sorry to hear that. Thank you for showing God's glory through your
suffering. We fill it up. You have done a fair share with your wife now.
Thank you.
[we stood together at Jared's wedding]
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/16171042"Mike Nevarr said...
Adam, blessings to you and your wife...and glory to the King of Kings. My
wife Jennifer and I lost our 5th child last June. "All the paths of the Lord
are mercy and truth" (Psalm 25:10).
"Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate" (Psalm
116:5).
Blessed be the name of the LORD! May Christ be exalted and glorified through
your trial, and may His grace abound!
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/6818436"Terry Lange said...
Adam,
My wife and I lost one of our twins in January. We are awaiting the birth of
the surviving twins in May.
You can read about our experiences if you would like at
http://langetwins.blogspot.com
If you need someone to talk to, please contact me via my blog and I will get
in touch with you on my dime.
I have been where you have been and it can be a difficult journey at times.
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/10279510"SJ C at mp said...
Dear Adam:
My prayers are with you as you and your wife are in this crucible of grace.
In His unfailing love,
Steve
Col. 1:9-14
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/15002262"smushin said...
Adam,
Thank you for the wonderful post. You have truly taken the perspective on
trials that God desires in all our lives. I can see the very words of II
Cor. 1:3-8 in action (indirectly as it may be) as I pass on this post to a
co-worker of mine who has just went through the same thing. May God be
glorified through this. Thank you again for your wonderful example to us.
You will be in my prayers.
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HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/profile/13568012"Bails said...
Gus,
It is a privilege to prepare for serving the King with men like you. You are
constant source of encouragement. May our lives every day be Christ alone.
Tim,
Thank you for your words of kindness to us. You and Ally are part of our
long distance family, and Renee and I rejoice in knowing that you are
holding us before the King in dependence on His grace.
Matt,
I am not sure that we have met one another, but you comment was yet another
blessing to our grieving hearts. Thank you.
Newc,
Love you, man. Thanks for bringing a quote from Jerry Bridges. He has been
one of the primary instruments in the Redeemer's hand in cultivating our
trust in God. Please pass along our thanks to Lorie, as well.
Bob,
Thank you, my friend. I appreciate the camaraderie that comes to saints who
have experienced trials similar or the same as our. It is especially a
blessing, when those same saints represent the grace filled response that we
desire to have in our own lives. Pass along our gratitude to Jennie.
Chris,
Simple words with simple Scriptures have the blocks in our retaining wall
from sinful grief. Thank you, and do say hello to Tiff for us.
Black Calvinist,
Thank you for your kind comment and welcome to our site. You are a welcomed
presence. Grace and peace.
Jason,
You are family to us, so it is a little awkward to blubber in front of
everyone. We love you and Paula Ruth. We love you...that is all I can say.
Griff,
Thanks for the comment, David. I have prayed for your this year, as I know
you are ministering the gospel in the city I hail from. I trust God will
sustain you in grace, as He has us for His glory and joy.
Mike,
Again, the knowledge that our God has sustained others through similar and
much greater trials has been a huge encouragement for confidence in God's
promised future grace.
Terry,
Thank you for sharing with us in our joyful grief and opening your family to
us to see God's grace displayed in you. Thank you.
Steve,
You are such a blessing to us through music. Renee and I have been
especially blessed by "Mercy in the Wilderness." In fact, I am listening to
"Mission of Mercy" as I write this comment. Thank you for your kind words
and effectual prayers. Grace and peace.
Jeremy (smushin),
The Jr. High staff has become a part of our extended Christian family, and
we are eternally grateful for that privilege. Thank you for your ministry to
us and to the young people here at GCC. I trust the Lord will use our trial
to display His greatness to many. Tell Hillary hello and thank you.
_______________________________
Well, it is over-used and tired, but I offer another thank you to you all
for your intercessions of us before the throne. God is good and God is
ruling over every event and circumstance. This is our hope. He is our hope.
"He Covers Me"
by Steve Camp
Oh Lord, I feel so barren and ashamed of who I am.
How I often felt I hid it well, it is a lie I cannot defend.
So I lean upon Your mercy as I confess my sin to You.
There is no easy way, no saving face, when I finally see the truth.
So let my life be filled with only You!
Chorus:
I know someday I will be free.
The weight of sin shall be released.
But for now He covers me.
And though the trials never end,
I've learned to take them as my friend.
For each day He covers me.
Sometimes the pressure builds around me and I feel about to break.
I suffer painfully from wrongs done to me but vengeance isn't mine to take.
So let me glory in my weakness till Your strength's revealed in me.
It is Your grace alone that helps me carry on to be the man I long to be.
So let Your life be perfected, Lord in me,
Until it's You they see.
Chorus:
And though heartache surrounds me,
I know Your love is around me.
Nothing can separate me from You.
And I know it's true.
Charis,
Mike Abendroth
"Make us choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to
be contented with half truth when whole truth can be won. Endow us with
courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns
to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when right and truth
are in jeopardy."
- West Point Military Academy Cadet Prayer
HYPERLINK "http://www.bbcchurch.org"www.bbcchurch.org
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