In Christ alone, my hope is found

My heart is heavy, sad, and sick for the recent loss of innocent life around me.  I know two separate families struggling with the loss of a child and the other dealing with a recent terminal diagnoses of their baby.  A third, delivering a stillborn after a heathly full term pregnancy. I'm unable to articulate the pain and heartbreak I'm feeling.  My thoughts are consummed with fear of what this broken sinful life holds for my own family. My tears are from a moms eyes ... Eyes that can't imagine a life without my children -without the constant hold you's, luwv you's, or fank you's.  A day without purpose, without hope, without joy. I realize my heart is captured by them, my little men.  I empathize with the grief these families must feel.  To wake knowing a bed is forever empty, a car seat in the rear view mirror missing, or a favorite toy abandon -makes me physically ill.  In times like this I'm reminded that I must rely on our Lord. I must trust that he knows what's best for my family and the path ahead is blessed with deliberate purpose and intense thought.  That life's test rarely weaken your faith but ultimately challenges it to grow. My prayer today is not one that dwells on the future hurdles we will encounter but the grace we will need in dealing with those troubles. 

Lord prepare my heart, mind, and body for whatever trials I may face. Help me to glorify your name in the difficult days but most importantly today!  Lord I trust your word, feel your love, and crave your presence in my life. Help these families as they brave the coming hours, days, and weeks. Work in their hearts -that they will find peace and joy once again.  Help those siblings, grandparents, friends and family to see your works through this pain and ultimately feel your love shinning down on them.  Thank you for the strength you give us daily and the opportunity to grow in spiritual maturity when tested.  Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice, your only son.  A sacrifice I didnt understand so completely until now. 

In Christ alone, my hope is found

He is my light my strength my song

The cornerstone The solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought or storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, When strivings cease

My comforter , my all in all

Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh

Fulness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones he came to save

Til on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied 

For evry sin on him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live 

There in the ground his body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then, bursting forth in glorious day

Up from the grave he rose Again

And as he stands in victory

Sins curse has lost its grip on me

For I am his and he is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ 

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the powr of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath 

Jesus commands my final destiny

No pow'r of hell no scheme of man

Could ever pluck me from his hand

Til he returns or calls me home

Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand. 

(wonderful song that has gotten Wes and I through so much)

Blessings -Ev