Harder Family

Harder Family

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Pondering

James 4:14 "yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."

Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

Earlier this week, Wayne and I were talking about life. We were remembering how far God has brought us this last year. We talked about the day that turned our world upside down and how God has used that in our lives to make us more aware of living each day to its fullest for God. Technically, Wayne has been diagnosed with a terminal cancer. Since being diagnosed, we have discovered survivors that have lived long lives. We have also discovered, met and know people whose lives were cut short by this cancer. Wayne and I discussed how each of us, whether we want to admit it or not, have a terminal illness. We are all going to die and we have a choice on how we are going to live. Are we going to live courageous lives for God or are we going to fear death and live for ourselves?? Wayne and I choose the first option. We choose to live each day to the fullest for Jesus Christ, to bring Him glory, and to do whatever He asks us to (even if it seems crazy to the world). 

I know how easy it is to get caught up in this life and the busyness of each day. I also know what it feels like to have the carpet ripped from under you. As you are falling to the ground, you ask yourself, "Can I do this God? Are you enough?" I can honestly say that God is enough!!! My greatest fear was (and still is at times) living this life without Wayne. I have seen first hand how God is our great comforter and how He is like a husband to His children. I can move forward each day trusting God because I know that even if my worst fear comes true in the future, God will have everything in His control. I know I've said it before, but none of us know how many days we have here on earth. That is why we are to number our days(as I wrote about last year).

I have once again seen how important this concept is in our lives. A girl from high school that I have stayed in contact with on Facebook, unexpectedly lost her husband last night. I can't even imagine what she and her kids are going through right now. What makes this loss even worse, this is her second husband to pass away unexpectedly. I have been praying non-stop for her since I saw her prayer request last night on Facebook. I am literally sick to my stomach. My greatest fear being lived out in someone else's life...and not once, but twice!! I watched from afar as God carried her through the loss of her first husband. It was beautiful to see God redeem the story and bring her another amazing man who loved God. God made beauty from ashes. Now, once again, she is faced with a tremendous loss in her life. I know that God has her and has this story, but stories like this is where you have to just cling to who God is, even when you can't understand the bigger picture. 

Would you join me in praying for Stacie and her family? I was going to post pictures and update everyone on our lives, but I just can't tonight. I just want people to pray for this woman of God and her kids. I also think it's a great time for each of us to ponder and think on our lives. 1) For those who know God, this is a great time to seek His face and ask Him what He wants for us in our lives. He created us for a purpose. I know that I don't want to die without doing everything I could to answer God's call and purpose in my life. 2) For those who don't know God, or aren't 100% sure where they would go if they were to die tonight, today is the day of salvation!! Don't put off God's call in your life. He loves you, He is pursuing you, and He wants a relationship with you!!! Jesus suffered and died an awful death because He loved you so much He said you were worth it. He is waiting with arms open wide to save you, forgive you, and make you new!! How will you answer His call in your life?


Stacie and her family (just hours before her husband fell ill)


2 comments:

  1. Just devastated. For all of them. Including Mike and Mandi. How awful to watch your children grieve through such unbearable sorrows.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just devastated. For all of them. Including Mike and Mandi. How awful to watch your children grieve through such unbearable sorrows.

    ReplyDelete