In God’s Word it says that the truth will set you free. It also says that the devil has come to steal, kill, and to destroy. Everyday I see so many people embracing whatever the enemy is throwing their way instead of embracing the truth that God is throwing our way. I see so much hopelessness in the lives of those who are facing situations that cannot be fixed, or restored, back to what it once was.
Sometimes the lies look like the truth, and the truth is hard to embrace; however, the burden of The Lord is easy.
Just today I was reminded that we don’t need to beg The Lord to love us, spend time with us, or make us a priority. We truly are never alone, and God will always love us. But then I had to ask myself; is that enough to help me move past the pain of the lies? Is that enough to help me to move past the pain of the “unfixable?” Is it enough for me to move past the pain of the lies that other people are believing, too?
As I am going to college, I am being stretched to approach problems a different way. Instead of trying to fix circumstances, we are taught to focus on finding a solution to the problem. This is so difficult for me, and I started to question my ability to be a decent therapist or social worker in the future. Even though it’s difficult I am beginning to see the reason behind this method, and it’s simply because nobody can “fix” our problems.
If someone were to come to me for therapy to help them through their grief because their loved one died, in order to fix their problem I would need to be able to bring their loved one back to life. Now, I am not going to get into the debate on whether or not I can bring someone back to life. I believe in the power of The Holy Spirit and this topic is something I would like to focus on in another post, just not here.
But think about it, how many times do people come to us wanting to fix some of the most impossible things, and how many times do we feel helpless because we just can’t fix it for them?
I’ve been through these types of moments, a lot. When my husband was diagnosed with a rare disease called achalasia, I had to come to the realization that the only person that could heal my husband’s achalasia was Jesus. There is no cure for achalasia, and there is no amount of money or effort that can make my husband better. But there is always prayer.
Just last year I was faced with this reality again when something happened that I couldn’t “fix” and I was really tempted to just wallow in the “WHY” of it all, and just spend my time wishing it had never happened. I wanted to talk to my friends about it and have them make me stop feeling so helpless and depressed, but I realized none of my friends could fix my situation.
In both instances I have had to come to the point of focusing on the solution, or just focus on living my life to the best of my ability. It amazes me so much that God can give life in some of the most terrible, gut wrenching experiences.
My husband is still not healed completely even though I pray everyday that he is, but I have come to a place of acceptance where I am not focused on the pain of this chronic illness with no cure. Instead, I am living life in prayer and enjoying the life that we get to live together.
Focusing on Jesus has helped our family find healing from an event that will never be “ok.” We have learned to embrace a time in our life where we realize that everything we do will leave a legacy. In this event our small world became enlarged; and my view of “Who God Is” outgrew the box that I had placed Him in.
As much as we want to “fix” the world, sometimes the pain of this world helps us to break free from our pride and the box we put God in so that we can cling to a false sense of security. Sometimes, I want to put God in a box so that I can hopefully “fix” everything, and maybe even fit in with everyone else.
That’s what we’ve learned to do, but often times these painful “unfixable” moments in our life make us realize all too quickly how fragile the box is that we are standing in. It reminds me of the scripture the warns us against building our house on sand instead of God’s Word!
The truth is, our relationship with God will never be one that doesn’t include storms, accidents, mistakes, or a whole lot of pain and hurt.
But instead of feeling like we need to fix everything we can embrace the idea of finding a solution to the problem. It may never look the way it used to, but we can somehow find a purpose in almost every situation we find ourselves in.
The solution to the problem may never lead to restoration; however, it will always lead to redemption because of Jesus!
P.S. This week my free gift to you is an 8×10 digital print of Psalm 95:2. Just click the link here to download: Psalm 95:2 – here is a preview of the free digital download:
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Great ponts, here, Heather. I find that the places I struggle with this most is when my kids are unhappy or suffering in some way, big or small. I want to be a fixer — which, of course, God has not called me to do. I’m thankful for the way He tests and then comes alongside to carry us through it.
Thank you for sharing Heather. My prayers will be with you and your husband in this journey. You are so right, as a mom, there are so many times I want to “fix it” or “make it better.” It is at these times I need to step aside, let go, and let God. I’m always sharing I am a work in progress and forever grateful for God’s unconditional love. Prayers and love to you and your family! And, thank you for the beautiful fall print!
Heather,
Your post reminds me of when Paul asks the Lord to remove the thorn in His side and the Lord says, “No,” but reminds Paul that His grace is sufficient. There have been a lot of things (illnesses) that I wished God would fix and He hasn’t, but what HAS happened is that He is drawn me into such a close relationship, reliance, and dependence on Him that I would not trade for anything. Sometimes our curses can be blessings in disguise. Wonderful post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
I appreciate this point! We often go into “fixer” mode without even realizing that we are and that we can’t! So freeing to know that Jesus knows the heart of the problem and can work through us. Also, thanks for the graphic, so sweet!
Hi Heather,
As a Christian, I totally agree with your thoughts on trying to fit God into OUR box, hoping he’ll fix things and do it on our timetable. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way most of the time. We learn through our circumstances, and we certainly can’t “fix” anyone. I’m sorry for your husband’s disease, but sounds like y’all are working through it with God’s help. Wishing you the best!
What a good post! It’s easy to become obsessed with just wanting to fix problems, especially when someone we love is hurting. You’re right: some problems CAN’T be fixed, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have peace and joy.
Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
Hi Heather, thank you so much for sharing these kind and wise words. When I saw the title I knew it was for me because it seems as if it’s defining my life right now. I have so many circumstances I can’t fix right now, but yes, I still have hope in Christ. Thank you for your perspective, and for that wonderful reminder. Found you over at Imparting Grace.
Great post Heather. We need to remember that we are here at the mercy of God and not the other way around. Through prayer we can help him to help us to work through our difficulties.