Stretching, Part I

This last month or so has involved a time of stretching for our family. We actually feel like we are being tugged in a few different areas. The first one I want to share about tonight, as we would covet your prayers.

We have been privileged to be able to be there physically for a friend in need in a way that I wish wasn't necessary, but unfortunately, is. A painful childhood, and then a difficult marriage, have turned into over a decade of abuse. She needed a temporary home away from home, so has been living with us. While we are so thankful that she has been here, and know that God led us to offer our home to her, it has been a hard time. Seeing her pain, hearing the stories, and trying to give some answers to questions she has - it's been draining, and challenging. I am not sorry she shares with us, but am so sad she has had to suffer the way she has, that it's just hard to know what to say. She has asked repeatedly why God has allowed this pain for so long, and if she deserves it. All the conversation in the world, and Scripture to base my answers on, do not make up for the memories of hurtful words, and physical blows. I now mostly answer, "I don't know why, but I do know that God is aware of it all, and I am hoping in Him."

As a pretty tender-hearted soul, at times I feel unable to bear just listening to her, and surely can't imagine how she must feel. I try to empathize, but truly cannot relate (thank you, LORD!) to what she has experienced. Through these last 5 weeks, I realize over and over how sweet my life has been. Trials I have experienced pale into comparison to the things this dear friend has had to walk through, mostly on her own.

God is working, and it is neat how He is teaching our family through this opportunity. I'm so glad we have been available and obedient. I think we have gained more than my friend has. I pray that I will never take my precious husband for granted, and am so thankful for the godly parents who raised me so lovingly as well. Those are luxuries and blessings others just do not have. An amazing part of this journey has been how the Word has offered hope when my words surely do not. Here is a passage I have read often, and shared with her, because the verse fit this scenario so well. Please pray for my sweet friend, as this week holds more challenges, and for her future to hold healing and restoration if it's God's will.

^{Psalm 33}

¹⁸ But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

¹⁹ to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

²⁰ We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

²² May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.