Rock-solid Faith Doesn't Come Easily

“God will never allow you to experience deep levels of pain without leaving a deposit of gold in your life.” – Os Hillman

I cannot begin to fathom the unbearable pain of losing a child. Unfortunately, I know two couples that experienced that trauma and tragedy within a few years of each other. Both children were first-born babies who only lived a few short hours before God called them home, leaving their grieving parents devastated and completely heartbroken.

However, as the first couple’s hearts began to slowly mend, they became aware of the second set of parents who were going through the same thing. And so, in the midst of their grief, they reached out with words of empathy, comfort, and encouragement. Doing so was not only biblical (see the verse below), but also one of the things God used to bring further healing to their own lives.

Fortunately, both families went on to have more children – four to the first and three to the second – and all seven of those children are now healthy adults, some with children of their own.

Yes, it is often at the lowest points of our lives that God reveals to us some of His most important lessons and His most precious treasures. Like gemstones uncovered deep in the earth or diamonds that result from intense seismic pressure, so are the qualities that God values the most such as patience, inner peace, and a rock-solid faith.

“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President