5.30.2006

Do I not know? Have I not heard?

I lost a dear friend tonight ... a loved one, for sure ... someone very close to my heart. After hearing the news, I spent most of the night angry - shouting - confused - frustrated - crying - fearful - terrified - and even downright ticked off. God felt very far away in this moment. I felt like he couldn't see me.

Why - on the very day that I began my full time ministry - would God allow this to happen? Am I abandoned? Forgotten?

No. I am not. Read these words from the prophet Isaiah, which had as much impact on my heart tonight as they must have had thousands of years ago:

Why do you say, Jacob, and complain ...
       "My way is hidden from the LORD;
       my cause is disregarded by my God"?

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
       The LORD is the everlasting God,
       the Creator of the ends of the earth.
       He will not grow tired or weary,
       and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
       will renew their strength.
       They will soar on wings like eagles;
       they will run and not grow weary,
       they will walk and not be faint.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Seriously. Jake are you ok?

Jake Bland said...

I'm fine. I'd rather not talk about it, but prayers are always welcomed.

Thanks. JB

swishthedish said...

Jake, dude I said I was just going to the store for milk. I was only gone like 10 minutes.

Anonymous said...

hey, i know how it feels to lose someone close to your heart.
the pain is unbearable, but let it be a comfort to you knowing that

God does not ever abandon you.
draw near to him.
I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
....Joshua 1:5

remember--he knows your limits, and he won't test you beyond what he knows you can take.

i'm praying for you, as always.
i love you.

Right now