"That the works of God might be displayed in him"

This past Sunday, our pastor preached on the subject "When You're Left Hanging," from Exodus 5-6.  Here is the link (go to Feb 5).  As always, it left me reflecting on the time in my life when I was pregnant with Grace after we received her diagnoses.  I've got to say, I never really felt like I was left hanging by God.  I honestly felt His presence in my life more strongly than I ever had.  I knew He was with me and had not left me in any way.  That's not to say I didn't question Him or His purpose.  I felt confident that He could handle my questions, and I knew that they helped to grow and strengthen me in Him and in my faith. 

Back to the message from our pastor.  One of his (three---ha) points was "we must realize that the presence of problems doesn't negate the purpose of God."  He stated that following the plan of God ensures that we will encounter set backs.  He quoted scripture from John 9:1-3:

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.  And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"  Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him."

I LOVE that Jesus answered with the reason and purpose this man was born blind was so that His works might be displayed in him.  I feel like a lot of what we have experienced with Grace is God's works displayed in her, and this has always been my prayer. 

I am also asking you to join with me in prayer for a special little boy, Carter, that God's works will continue to be displayed in him.  Here is a link to his mom's (Meagan) blog.  He will be medically transferred to Cincinnati Children's Hospital soon, and he needs our prayers! 

Ephesians 3:20: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think...