We have challenges throughout our life, and there’s a good reason for those challenges. The Lord intended this life to be one where we would be stretched, where we would face opposition and where we would experience the range of human emotions. Why? So we could grow, so the ‘dross’ could be burned off and we could be polished as a piece of silver.

One of my hobbies is making jewelry. I love, love, love the time I am creating with stones, beads, silver and copper. One of the things I am learning is about polishing silver to a high shine. A piece of sterling silver jewelry that is properly shined is irresistible. People are drawn to it, feel they must pick it up and feel it. But that shine isn’t produced in one easy step. Producing that shine on a piece of silver requires several steps, elbow grease, a polishing compound which includes some grit, and friction. So it is in our lives. To arrive at a better, shinier version of ourselves, the Lord permits us to have experiences that include some friction, some difficulties, some challenges. We may not completely get there with the first one or two experiences so it is no surprise that He provides other and often more intense experiences to help us arrive at that irresistible shine.

My friend is trying to deal with a parent that is on hospice, has been uncommunicative for several days, and is clearly nearing the end of her life. As she and her siblings struggle to comfort their father and make the necessary arrangements for what will certainly be her mother’s death, the emotions and decisions are at times overwhelming. She is in need of comfort but often finds herself being the one that must offer comfort: to her father, to her siblings, to extended family members.

On top of the emotional weight she shoulders, she is also involved in the decisions that just keep coming: burial or cremation? What funeral home to use? Where to purchase a casket? How much of a budget is there for the funeral? What about a headstone? Who will do what for the service? What happens after the service? What do they do with all the flowers? Perhaps they should ask for donations in lieu of flowers? Should there be both a church service and a graveside service? What happens with her mother’s belongings – should she and her siblings clean them out or will her father want to do that? And on it goes…

Our challenges and the demands on us come when we least expect it. The Lord knew this would be the case during our life here on earth. In our manual for this life (that would be the scriptures) He provides guidance for and encouragement to us when we face challenges. He reminds us that He is there, He is supporting us and at times carrying us through our toughest circumstances. He reminds us that we are strong enough to get through this with His help. It may not seem it or feel it when you’re in the thick of the situation, but you’ve got this because He’s got you.

Here is some of God’s loving reminders:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“The Lord is my strength and strong, and he is become my salvation: he is my God…” (Exodus 15:2)

“With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.” (Job 12:13)

“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)

“…I know, in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things.” (Alma 20:4)

“For thou has been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.” (Isaiah 25:4)

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4)

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” (2 Cor. 1:3)

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thes. 3:16)

Wishing you peace in Christ,

Audrey