Over-Comers, Daniel Stratman, and Remembering

Daniel and his family.

I am a huge fan of modern and old day stories of over-comers. Souls, who in the face of adversity, tremendous overwhelm, deep pain, darkness, confusion, doubt -- come or came forth as gold. Here is one such story that I am so happy to share of Daniel Stratman and his family that was broadcast today via Joni and Friends:

http://www.joniandfriends.org/radio/5-minute/daniels-story/

I had the priviledge of taking a class with Daniel during my days at Emmaus Bible College, and also of being in a wedding with him. I am so excited that Daniel also has a book soon to come out entitled: When Losing is Winning. What a perspective -- "when losing is winning". 

That is the kind of perspective one comes to have when they come to find and know Christ in their place of pain. It is a perspective I have come to know for myself. A perceptive that comes to know God, our Heavenly Father, as one who truly does bring beauty out of chaos, strength out of weakness, light out of darkness. One who gives us purpose, hope, and joy in the face of our losses. We don't always understand what He is up to, and sometimes we struggle with the mystery surrounding the way He works, but we come to know that He is good, that He loves us, that He is working through all of our trials to weave something beautiful beyond our current comprehensions -- and somehow that becomes enough for us.

This all reminds me of a popular adage:  

"God didn't promise days without pain, 

laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, 

but He did promise strength for the day, 

comfort for the tears, and light for the way." 

This is so true.

I have been doing a lot of "remembering" this week. Just remembering where the Lord has brought me from and celebrating all of the things I have "won" and am yet "winning" through my own losses and Daniel's story fit right in today, seeming like such an appropriate place to launch from.

Praise be to God for His faithful love, strength, and provision. Nothing is too hard for Him to help us through. Sorrow may endure for a night (or more), but joy comes in the morning (eventually). Our only work is to keep our hearts open to Him. He does the rest.

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him..." (Nahum 1:7).