“All things work out for good to those who love the Lord. Just trust Him.” I heard someone say.

Really? Why did He allow this to happen then? I kept this thought and the others going through my mind to myself. I bit my tongue, smiled, and thanked her.

As I worked through the pain of losing my husband, I tried to make some normalcy in my life. Word got out about my situation and I started to hear all the pat answers Christians give: trust God, He will see you through, give it over to Him, all things work out for good, etc.

While I believed those to be true, they were hard to hear in the middle of my storm. The pain was too raw and these words festered my wounds like acid melting plastic. It hurt and didn’t help.

We mean well when we say things like this, but we must think before we speak. This experience has taught me to choose my words wisely when I see someone hurting. Simply saying “You are in my thoughts and prayers” or “I will pray for you” means so much more than giving pat answers.

If you are going through a storm right now, let me know and I will pray for you. (Click to tweet)

John 14:27 (NIV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.