He gives and takes away

These past few weeks have passed like a whirlpool, the most significant being God showing us how His grace and mercy is more than sufficient.
Steve has gone through one of the toughest times in his life and yet, I see him being strong.
Next time I shall call him Strong Steve.

When I asked him why he did not even tear a drop, he said, "How could I?"
When I asked him further, he said, "I have totally trusted Him. He gives and takes away. This total surrender and trust and strength in Him in me simply does not allow me to cry."

One doesn't really know the extent and depth of simply declaring verses and promises of the Bible until one goes through that immense valley.
And at the end of the day when everything is stripped away, you will know how strong you truly are as a believer.

We sang this song during FOP. And this couldn't have come at a timing more apt.
I am able to write this entry now because I know that God is a good and faithful God.
I declare that He is a deliverer and He loves us.
Even in times of loss and pain, we can always choose to bless and praise His name.


Blessed Be Your Name
by Matt Redman

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name