Nevertheless
June 30, 2008 | faith
Nevertheless.
She was in jail, addicted to meth; nevertheless, today she is a godly woman, she has recaptured the love of her children, and ministers as a chaplain in the jail in which she was once imprisoned.
She had an affair and wanted to die; nevertheless, she found hope in Jesus, and now leads a flourishing ministry for women who walk in the shoes she once wore.
She was high, destitute, pregnant; nevertheless today she worships in the front row, her hands lifted high, her beautiful little girl receiving a different life than the one momma once had.
He was lost, couldn’t get past the hurt of losing someone he loved, unable to reach out for hope; nevertheless God reached for him and he opened his arms wide and today he knows the love of a Heavenly Father.
I love this word: nevertheless. Perhaps it is the word that most resembles salvation to me. Not rules. Not people’s expectations. But rather God’s abounding love that runs deeper than any river. God’s mercy that is wider than the Grand Canyon.
God’s transformation that happens in spite of our best–or worst–efforts.
Nevertheless.
The people I described are real. How many more are there that can point to the nevertheless experiences in their life. I know I can. Not just the encounter with God when I didn’t know Him, but today, every day.
I am angry; nevertheless I will trust you and ask you to soothe my heart and help me to respond wisely.
I am hurt; nevertheless you are my shelter.
I need direction; nevertheless I will trust you and seek your guidance.
I am happy and joyfilled, why? Because of you.
Because of nevertheless.
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Hi, Suzanne,
Thanks for the good reminder that the things that are impossible with man are possible with God. By faith, we understand and do what seems impossible . . .
It’s also a necessary reminder, because it is so easy to focus on problems and see them as being too big for God to solve.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:33 amVery true! We all have many nevertheless’s if we will choose to make them so. Thanks for the reminder that no matter what our situation we have a choice in the way we respond and what kind of ending we wish our story to have. I want to always choose one of HOPE.
June 30th, 2008 at 3:16 pmOoh, I like that! Thank heaven God loves us, whatever our “nevertheless” involves!
June 30th, 2008 at 6:10 pmEvery once in a while a word strikes me. This one just washed over me. I know it is the Holy Spirit that reaches deep inside and says, “Hey Suz, look at this.”
I love it when God does that. Don’t you?
Lisa, how is your home buying going? Beth and Joyce, how cool to meet new friends!
June 30th, 2008 at 6:14 pmMy spirit needed this word today. I’ve seen so many young Moms caught up in the addiction of meth — and I know that in Jesus they can find that “nevertheless.” I work with abused and neglected children and I see what addiction does to families and I refuse to give up on these moms and dads — Jesus still saves.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:16 pmThanks for giving me a fresh word that I needed to hear.
So true, Suzie. This is the theme in my novel One Smooth Stone. I just received a moving email from a woman whose life was similar to the main character in my book. She expressed her thankfulness for God’s mercy and grace. Without it none of us could live the lives we are intended to live.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:39 amBlessings, Marcia
Hey Marcia and Mary,
Meth is a real problem in our area as well. It hurts families, especially children. I’m so glad you are standing and praying and believing for these young moms.
And Marcia, it’s nice, isn’t it, to hear from readers and know that God is working in his own way. Love your story.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:45 pmThank you, Suzie, I needed that. Right now I’m in a time where I need to rest on the promises of God. I haven’t been to your site in ages, but nevertheless I came now. These were the words I needed to hear today. Thank you, Suzie.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:54 pm