Several weeks have passed since finishing up the ladies’ Bible study on Lysa Terkeurst's book, "It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way.” Lysa brought out so many truths through the disappointments and trials she was experiencing. Through the study we were encouraged to read several chapters each week. We then watched a video where she related her experience to Biblical truth through Scripture. “And God saw everything that he made and it behold, was very good...” Genesis 1:31. The Garden of Eden. In the beginning God created everything and it was very good. What happened? We know. Adam and Eve sinned and through that death, disappointment, illness, pain and all the bad things that go on have resulted. We are living the "life between two Gardens.”
This was a concept that stuck with me. I don’t want these things to dictate the way I live. We have hope - a future "garden" of perfection. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and the will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Rev. 3-5 (ESV)
We are all going to experience difficult times in life. Praise God we have hope in Him. Also, we have each other. It was very sweet to be in a room full of ladies each week and be able to share struggles and joys. Talking openly about struggles or just knowing there was someone to pray was very encouraging. “If the enemy can isolate us he can influence us.” Don’t believe the lie that you can handle things on your own. If you are struggling through disappointment or sin seek someone out.
Perfection only comes in the eternal garden. Until then, we endure the curse of Eden. But, we do not do so alone.