“Black and white. God could have made everything in black and white but look! He chose to use all these beautiful colors. He did this just for us!” My friend was talking with her son as she wheeled him around their neighborhood. He wasn’t a toddler in a stroller. He was an eight-year-old in a wheelchair. The chemo had zapped him of his strength but it hadn’t stolen his zest for life.

His wise mom was showing him how to see the goodness of God. She was demonstrating what hope looks like. She wanted her son to see beauty, life, and God, even in (especially in) his circumstances.

Joy in the suffering not joy because of the suffering. 

Son, see the blessings in the struggle.

When I go through some sort of trial, I am often blind to God’s blessings. My sweet friend, Darcy, and her little guy have taught me to look up. God nudges me to pray for the ability to see his goodness.

Daughter, see the blessings in the struggle.
I will admit, I have weak eyes. I’m blind to what is around me when I am stuck in the mire of pain. I am learning to pray, ” Open my eyes, Lord. Show me your majesty.”

God answers this prayer by refocusing my vision. Then I am able to see what has been invisible to me previously.

Hope illuminates God in the difficult circumstances.
Hope provides new perspective. It is the blessing of God’s encouragement. It gives strength to push forward.
When I can see God’s hand, then I am more able to seek his face.

Then I am reminded who my God is…a good and great God.

I lift my eyes to the hill-
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, 
The Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2

( And since you just may want to know, the eight year old is now sixteen.)
What challenge are you facing? What is God revealing to you in the midst of your struggle?

Faith, hope, and love,
Lori


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© LoriWildenberg. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.

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