Farther Along We’ll Understand Why
You know, I’ve felt pretty beaten up, spiritually speaking, this summer.
I’ve missed my parents and longed for their steady guidance desperately.
I’ve floundered with this school change–speaking acceptance out of my mouth while my heart and mind struggled frantically against it.
I’ve prayed, oh how much I’ve prayed, and then rebelled against the answers I heard. My actions reluctantly followed directions, but my heart was still looking for any crack or hole to slip out of, any weakness in the wall to exploit, any excuse to change directions.
Let’s just be honest–submission’s not really my forte. I was raised with more of a “never give up, never give in, and die fighting” philosophy.
It’s a good philosophy if you’re fighting the good fight. But fighting against God (and/or your husband, as may apply!) isn’t the good fight.
The Ladybug enjoying a fresh fruit and whipped cream parfait.
I wrote that final check for the kiddo’s new school year the other day and spoke at length with the secretary at the school about what their day will be like–how lunchtime works, what extended care will be like, how drop off and pick up works–just everything to understand their day in this new place.
And I left thinking, they are going to be in a good place.
As I drove back to work, I cried.
And I finally let go and admitted to the Lord, thank you! Thank you! This isn’t what I wanted, but this is the path we are on, and now I can see that it’s good. I’m sorry I wasted so much energy fighting it. I’ve been living under fear, not grace. Thank you for not giving up on me!
There’s nothing like white-smudged noses to tell a momma she did a good job.
At prayer meeting last night we had testimonies and sang the old hymn, Farther Along. Do you know that one? Oh my, the Lord was just holding my hand so tightly…
Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonderWhy it should be thus all the day long
While there are others living about us
Never molested though in the wrong Farther along we’ll know all about it
Farther along we’ll understand why
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine
We’ll understand it all by and by When death has come and taken our loved ones
It leaves our home so lonely and drear
Then do we wonder why others prosper
Living so wicked year after year Farther along we’ll know all about it
Farther along we’ll understand why
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine
We’ll understand it all by and by
As I listened to the prayer requests around me, then the testimonies of joy and grace and blessings and 20 years of marriage and 35 years of marriage and 58 years of marriage, and expectations for new life and new salvation…I thought, my life is so good, we are so blessed!
In the light of eternity, how many of our trials today turn out to be but grains of sand?
Faithful til death, said our loving MasterA few more days to labor and wait
Toils of the road will then seem as nothing
As we sweep through that beautiful gate Farther along we’ll know all about it
Farther along we’ll understand why
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine
We’ll understand it all by and by When we see Jesus coming in glory
When he comes down from his home in the sky
Then we shall meet him in that bright mansion
We’ll understand it all by and by Farther along we’ll know all about it
Farther along we’ll understand why
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine
We’ll understand it all by and by
So thankful today for the simple peace of the Lord.
What are you thankful for today?
Love this post and I love your heart, sweet friend. Praying that you’ll continue to see His blessings in the little things and rest in Him.
Thanks for being open and sharing your heart. I’ll be praying for you. And good for you for submitting! That’s often the hardest part.
I have never heard that hymn, but there is a song written by a guy who used to go to my church (he has since moved and started his own record label) by the same name, Farther Along. I was curious about the hymn. As I began reading the words I found that the chorus is the same! Josh often takes old tunes and reworks them, but that’s not the case here. The chorus is the same, but the rest of the lyrics are different.
Farther Along happens to be my favorite song off this particular album, “Love and War and the Sea In Between.” Maybe it will bless you as well. It speaks to the same message. If you’ve never heard of it, here’s the You Tube link, but you can listen to it on his site as well. Josh Garrels~ Farther Along… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeJ2URNrozo
Wow–what a creative heart! I think you’re right that he sort of took the message from the old hymn and gave it his own voice. Thank you for sharing!
I echo so much of what you’re expressing. A dear friend sent me this encouragement this morning:
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (John 15:2)
This is a precious promise to one who lives for fruitfulness. At first it seems to wear a sharp aspect. Must the fruitful bough be pruned? Must the knife cut even the best and most useful? No doubt it is so, for very much of our Lord’s purging work is done by means of afflictions of one kind or another. It is not the evil but the good who have the promise of tribulation in this life. But, then, the end makes more than full amends for the painful nature of the means. If we may bring forth more fruit for our Lord, we will not mind the pruning and the loss of leafage.
Still, purging is sometimes wrought by the Word apart from trial, and this takes away whatever appeared rough in the flavor of the promise. We shall by the Word be made more gracious and more useful. The Lord who has made us, in a measure, fruit-bearing, will operate upon us till we reach a far higher degree of fertility. Is not this a great joy? Truly there is more comfort in a promise of fruitfulness than if we had been warranted riches, or health, or honor.
Lord Jesus, speedily fulfill Thy gracious word to me and cause me to abound in fruit to Thy praise!
You know, our Pastor followed testimony time with a very short sermon about something similiar–about GROWING and USING your influence for Christ. And about how the Lord gives us influence and blessings (and challenges!) in life to grown in service TO HIM, not for ourselves, but for HIS good purpose. And joy comes in being fully present in HIS will for our lives. I have been following directions, but I have certainly not been “fully present” in His will. I think I’ve been kinda hanging back to see if He’d like to change His mind. {smile}