| Today was one of those days where all Tara and I could do was cling to God's promises like the one found in James 1:2-5: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." I am so thankful that God is in control. I am so grateful that He has the plans. I can stop and say thanks even though the enemy is using so many things to try to make me believe that God is powerless to save me. On days like this I fully realize that if I were to live based on what makes sense to me, I am not sure I'd be alive. It is in this humbling realization that God shows me that in spite of all the fiery darts of the enemy, an enemy who is a roaring lion seeking to devour us, I can delight in Him, take refuge in Him, and truly taste and see that the Lord is good. I can remember His grace and that in spite of my human heart know that He who began a good work in me will see it through to completion. For any who might be reading this, what practical things do you do or steps do you take when you are in a bleak moment? When it seems like God is far away or you aren't sure you can hear His voice? How does He comfort you and bring you back to "pure joy"? As you think about your answer, take to heart these verses: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer." 2 Corinthians 1:3-6 |
Monday, September 11, 2006
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4 comments:
Something that has helped me over the years are the words "Never doubt in the darkness what God has revealed to you in the light." I believe God allows us to be tested as part of His plans for our lives. Nothing ever enters our path without it first coming by his allowing it to.
Brian,
Know that you and your family have been prayed for today. There is a great post by Steve Camp that was a rich blessing to me; it's called The Juniper Tree: Learning to Treasure Christ in the Hard Places.
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I can say that i'm so glad i wrote what i did and for both of the above comments. Guy, God knew the words I needed to hear and passed them on through you. John, your prayers and referred post mean a lot. Thanks for stopping by.
I think we often fail to see the good that Job's friends did before they opened their mouths and messed it all up. First they just came and sat with Job in his distress. I hope you know that there are many silent readers who did not leave a comment, but sat with you today during your time of trial.
Blessings, and peace.
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