When you are going through a tough time and do not even know how to pray…God sends faithful friends. When you can barely get out of bed let alone clean the tub…God sends faithful friends. He is the most faithful of friends even when our thoughts and actions are unfaithful…even when we have not an ounce of faith.
God has reminded me of this truth this week. Friends on facebook, friends on the phone, friends who get a babysitter and drive up from more than an hour away to help clean my house, friends who have been through the journey I am walking who say “I totally understand,” friends who have not been on the same path but still listen and pray and provide a place for authenticity have all ministered to me this week.
I am a listener, counselor, encourager, nurturer, but I do not know how to accept that from others very well. It is in a time of struggle where God teaches the beauty of himself and community when I know I need them and let them serve. It is through the give and take that we understand him more and grow more. This hormone fog will pass, but I pray the growth and the lesson will not. We need one another–we were made that way. Our greatest need(s) are met in Him and Him alone, but He uses the body to minister, love, encourage, rebuke, etc.
I thank Him that He is the definition, the example of faithfulness and that that faithfulness is lived out through his precious children.
The Art of Coming Alive 
Jennifer,
I stumbled upon your blog while reading the Winn’s blog. I wanted to say that I am praying for you. I remember how hard infertility was (and still is) for my husband Kevin and I. I know God is in control, but that doesn’t always remove the hurt. God answered our desire for a child through adoption, and I’m praying that your hopes, prayers, and desires will be answered in one form or another as well.
Thank you, Jen. I appreciate your prayers so much. You’ve experienced a heart that knows the ache and exhaustion…that means a lot to know that you know how to pray for us.
You must be poured into to pour out in others’ lives. You are such a blessing to so many. It’s wonderful that you are, in the midst of such pain, being invested in.
This is something that the Lord has really been speakgin to in my heart. I see a need for community in my life, and you just keep making His reasons clear for me in a tangible way through your honesty here. Thank you for sharing.