Lonngren and I have surely been tested this summer! First, from the loss of our twins, and second, from the cranial surgery that my hubby just had (see pic above of our precious nephews and niece who took the time to make us feel extra special). After experiencing these things we can truly say that God has been faithful. He is the only one who could have carried us through. Sure, Lonngren has supported me and I've supported him, which has only strengthened our marriage, but our gracious God is the one who has given us the strength to endure.
In the book of James, James writes, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." We know that we will never be perfect on this earth, but we can desire holiness and be refined, like a work in progress. God chips away at us so that we can look more and more like Jesus, His Son.
That is just one example of Christ's love for us. At first glance it may appear evil or cruel, but the reality is that He does it because He cares for and loves His children. It has been a blessing to be the recipients of this love. We have the added privilege of witnessing His glory, which is the ultimate objective, shine in a way that we hadn't seen before. We wouldn't trade these rich lessons for anything. To Him be the glory!
