From Streams in the Dessert for March 7th...
"Why is it that God leads us in this way, allowing such strong and constant pressure on us? One of His purposes is to show us His all-sufficient strength and grace more effectively than if we were free from difficulties and trials...
...greater awareness of our dependence on Him...
...this is exactly where Jesus stood and where He desires us to stand...
...There is no way to learn of faith except through trials. They are God's school of faith and it is much better for us to learn to trust Him than to live a life of enjoyment...
it is an everylasting possession and an eternal fortune gained. Yet, without trust in God, even great riches will leave is in poverty. "
So often I hear Christians blame the devil, think that they can rebuke the devil and just give so much glory to the devil. Blech.
How can I rebuke what God has lead me to...how can I rebuke the trial that God has allowed--allowed so that I may learn of faith...allowed so I may gain an everlasting possession and an eternal fortune gained. God was not sleeping...He's not surprised what is happening even though I may act like that most of the time.
Romans 5:3 tells me that I ought to thank God for my troubles...for they will build my endurance--and God will approve...(wow!)...and I will have hope in my salvation. Or at least that's what Paul told the Romans--and it's a principal I can surely grab hold of and learn from.
For while I was still a sinner says Paul...Christ died for me.
So, who am I that I think life should be smooth and glorious and happy? I deserve...nothing--yet not only did Christ die for me, undeserving me, but now he allows these trials so that I'll even grow to be more like Him.
Forgive me Lord for complaining about the stresses of my life...I forgot that you are in control...I forgot that you've allowed it all to go on...you've allowed it all for a reason. Help me to fulfill all that Lord and to know that it is much better for me to learn to trust in you than to live a life of enjoyment.
Ah...it is so good to gain His perspective and get out of my own dreary self.
4 comments:
Thankful for your post today and for the reminder. It is so true that the Lord is in control and allows things to come our way. Just like with Job he took the hedge down and allowed him to be tried. We do learn a lot through our trials. I have definitely learned that over the last year and a half. And looking back I am thankful to say that the Lord was with us through all of it.
Beth,You are so sweet and your faith is so apparent. Thankful for your friendship.
I am so glad that Streams in the Desert is encouraging you. It really is Providential that a friend of mine gave me that book-- it has been a daily source of encouragement and wisdom for me! In fact, my friend was given that book from another friend that recently came back from the mission field. It really ministered to her heart in that first difficult year in the field.
I think I could post an entry from that book every single day. I love how relevant it is!
Praying that you have a wonderful weekend and may God bless you and your family abundantly!
I have chills, the kind you get when you see the Lord talking to you through other's messages. Thank you for this wonderful post. And may God bless you for being a mommy to three boys (as I am)--it is definitely a glorious challenge~
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