A Father's Wisdom for Tough Times

We got this letter from my father this afternoon. He gave me permission to share it here. Thanks Dad!

7 August 2009

Dear Matt and Melodie,

It sounds as though the Lord is allowing James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:3-5 to play out in your lives.  I have never liked those verses but I can attest to the fact that when I’ve allowed the Lord to take me through those difficult times, I’ve been the better because of it.  In such situations I hang on desperately to the promise that the Lord will never allow me to be tested beyond that which I can handle (1 Cor 10:13).  I also am reminded of David’s words to Solomon as Solomon faced a task totally beyond anything he’d ever even imagined.  David says the Lord will not fail you nor forsake you, Solomon (1 Chron 28:20). 

There is no load so heavy that God cannot carry it.  His word says that His yoke is easy and his burden is light.  Why?  Because He’s there to help carry the load.  There is also no situation so overwhelming that God will just throw up His hands and say, It’s beyond me!  I give up, I’m abandoning the person or situation.

I’m not sure what the Lord has in mind for the two of you in the years ahead but He has uniquely and very specially gifted and equipped the two of you.  Hang in there.  As David discovered when he got back to Ziklag and his family was gone, the town was burnt to the ground, and his men were threatening to kill him, THE LORD IS ENOUGH.  Scripture puts his response this way in 1 Sam. 30:6b, “But David found strength in the Lord his God.”  He alone can sustain you in the difficulties you’re currently going through.

Be assured of our continuing prayers for you and for Desta as you walk this long, torturous and unfamiliar path of life.

Love,

Dad