A Cry for Mercy

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.”–Job

Today I can relate in a new way to this statement. Although we all prayed and had high hopes for a positive meeting with Joel and his Probation Officer, the news is quite devastating. Joel is to have no contact with his kids including no phone conversations or letters for an undefined period of time.  Needless to say this news is extremely painful to Joel, the boys and me. My mother’s heart has broken as I’ve watched the boys grieve this afternoon. I feel helpless to comfort them. We just don’t know how long this restriction will last or if it will ever be lifted.

Having seen so many things that just don’t make sense in the justice system, I have little hope for any kind of real justice, for the boys, for me, and least of all for Joel, who has lost any “right” to justice.  Our family situation is of little regard to them. If my hope were in this world alone, I would be throwing in the towel right about now. Sin has warped the ability of even those who would seek justice, and has left us with a broken system.

I cannot account for this strange turn of events in Joel’s case. I cannot explain the bizarre treatment of our family. I do know that we are not the only ones confused by these rules and restrictions. It is not normative for a case like Joel’s. I feel the deep struggle of a spiritual battle for both Joel and me, and even for my children.

As my emotions run rampant and tears fall randomly, I beg God for the mercy to believe that He is Good, and He does only good. I echo Peter’s creed, “Lord to whom (else) shall I go.”  And I cry out for His strength to say with Job, “Though He slay me yet will I trust Him.”

 


8 Responses to "A Cry for Mercy"

  • Oh dear, Tabitha! My heart is heavy for you and your family tonight. I’m so so sorry for the way this is turning out. I could not have even imagined this kind of restrictions, especially on someone who has served time. Almost seems like he had more freedom before. I am so sorry. Just know that we are praying for you and we will be waiting to hear again how things are going. Love to you all.

    1 Coco Tallman said this (July 17, 2012 at 5:06 am) Reply


  • Crying with you! Praying that you will continue to grab hold of Him.

    2 John & Genise said this (July 17, 2012 at 7:55 am) Reply


  • Oh, Tabitha…absolutely heartbroken for you, Joel, and especially your boys. I can’t even imagine. Lifting you right now before our Heavenly Father. May His justice reign, His mercy flow over your weary souls, His strength hold you up as you walk this new path.

    3 Cindee Snider Re said this (July 17, 2012 at 9:29 am) Reply


  • Tabitha I read your post and know that you and Joel are in a place that very few Christians will ever truly experience. You would find it very hard to believe right now but you are on “hallowed ground.” You could never have put yourself in this place or even chosen to but the Great and Mighty One has put you there for His Divine service. I give Him all Prasie for your ability to even speak as Job and quote this most wonderful Truth and Praise. You truly are God’s Child. What a blessing to be able to serve Him in this way. He could never show you Himself as He can now. All Blessings and Mercy to you and your family.

    4 Eva Maria Odaffer Beam said this (July 17, 2012 at 11:12 am) Reply


    • Thanks, Eva. Your words are a comfort and a solemn reminder of a battle not my own.

      5 Tabitha Joy said this (July 17, 2012 at 11:25 am) Reply


      • Yes, thank-you, Eva. What a good reminder that God’s ways are not our ways, and it is a priviledge to be used of Him, moved of Him, even as he placed Joseph in Egypt – not a pleasant thing – but a needful thing, both for Joseph and the nation.

        It is such a blessing to hear from others and to be encouraged by how GOD is already using this. Thank-you all for standing with our family!!!

        6 Dar Gail said this (July 17, 2012 at 11:34 am) Reply


  • Tabitha, Just read your post and my heart breaks for you and for your boys! BUT God is still in control, and God knows how your heart breaks and He also is catching those tears that fall randomly, saving them in a bottle, and someday you can ask Him all about them. God loves you and cares about everything you are going through. Be assured of my prayers for you and your family! Jer 29:11 Love you and miss you!

    7 Carol Pierce said this (July 17, 2012 at 4:04 pm) Reply


  • Yes, Joseph is such a good example for us. GOD is in control and His purposes can not be thwarted! Standing with you all and believing for deliverance that only HE can do. Hang on tight.

    8 Jessica said this (July 17, 2012 at 9:24 pm) Reply


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