My gratefulness is probably surprising. It's easy to thank God for all the blessing and good things in our lives. But did you ever consider thanking Him for something that doesn’t seem like a blessing—such as a trying circumstance you want Him to remove or change? A grateful heart is most precious to God when, humanly speaking, we really don't want to give thanks.
The afflictions of this life are God’s powerful invitation into deeper intimacy with Himself. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. I can count it all joy when I meet trials of various kinds, for I know that the testing of my faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:2-3)
If we don’t experience difficulty, why would we need God in our day-to-day lives? Troubles move us toward Christ.
The apostle Paul was the greatest Christian who ever lived. Paul was given insight into the things of God that no other New Testament writer was given. He even saw things he was not permitted to describe. So why should Paul, of all people, suffer affliction?
2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Real faith is not receiving from God what we want, but it is accepting from God what He gives. He is good and faithful, and so thank Him and praise Him anyway
Romans 8:28
1 comment:
Amen, sister.
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