June 4, 2013

Reconciliation Ministries has republished an essay based on Proverb 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Here is an excerpt: “Are you frustrated or angry at God because your trial is still going on. Like many of you, I’ve had to wrestle with the questions of “why?” Why did God allow…? Where was He when…? Didn’t He care that…? As I receive more healing, I realize that it is through the trials that He has given me many gifts of the heart. If we embrace the trials, we will grow closer to Christ and know more of Him than we could ever dream possible if our lives were unchallenged. Jesus doesn’t rewrite history, but He can redeem it. Our present trial may not end, but He can calm the raging seas of our soul.”

Dan Hitz the director of Reconciliation Ministries explained why he wanted to rerun the essay in their June 2013 newsletter: “It was the idea of holding tightly onto Jesus that has carried me through many trails in my own life. It was in the deepest valley of my life that the Lord clearly spoke to me and told me that it was far more important to meet with Him during the trial, than for the trial to be over. That thought has compelled me to hold on tightly to the Lord during some extremely difficult times and allow Him to carry me through the storm. As He carried me through the storm, I learned deep truths about His love and nature that have changed my heart forever. It is my prayer for you that you will also hold tightly onto Jesus during the storms of your life, and allow Him to touch your heart in ways you never imaged. He will touch your soul in ways that transform you in this life and bless you for all eternity.”