Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.Lamentations 3:22-26

The above verse, especially verses 22-23, were my husbands favorite verses. The Lord took him through many physical valleys during his 12 year illness. But he never lost sight of the prize, the goal. Every day he knew God’s joy. He believed God was faithful and was working out his plan for his life. He is doing that in your lives now. As the new year begins, I would like to encourage you all with these verses too. His compassions never fail, they are new every morning. Look for his blessings in this. You are his children and he promises in Romans 8:28 that “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He brings you through valleys so that you in turn can help others through those same valleys in the future. I know as I dealt with Dave’s illness and death that the Lord revealed some amazing things that were a comfort to me and strengthened my faith. Those revelations have helped me to comfort others in similar situations. God uses our faith to shine through and be a witness to God’s glory.

It is my prayer that you don’t lose heart and that the Lord will keep you strong and give you comfort in this. He has a purpose in everything that happens in our lives. Many times we don’t understand what he’s doing but that’s where faith comes in. As people watch us deal with trials like this, they are many times amazed that we can continue to believe God in what is happening. You can be a powerful witness. If even one person comes to faith from seeing us testify to God through troubles, it is worth it.