Have you ever been swimming and been the first one in the pool. Then a friend or family member comes up and touches the water only to shrink back saying "its too cold." We usually speak up and say "come on in the water's fine." Many of us have experienced this before.....
Every now and then we read about someone who does a phenominal act of kindness. Someone who demonstrates an unbelievable work of grace in the life of another. The news media and even the christian community will publicize it over and over again. And in many cases, rightfully so. But today I would like to focus on the phenominal acts and unbelievable work of God in our behalf.
Spent some time today with a sister who is going through a hard time with sickness in her family. By hard, I mean hard. You know if you've been around a while that life is no respector of persons. Often it is just plain mean. Downright hard on us as humans. Unless you've been living in denial you too have faced your seasons at the helm of hard times. If not, one day, you will! What we learn during these times of testing is so critical to our future direction.
Have you been through tough times? Fought through some battles, got a few scars and maybe even the T-shirt to prove you've been there? I have as have many of you. None are immune. But what I/my family learned, has carried me for years and allowed me to share with others the way through pain and suffering. Here are a few things learned at the my helm of suffering and struggles.
I will list what I learned first today and then what I did (on Wednesday).... May these bless you as HE has blessed me through them!
What I have learned through suffering....
1) God is there! Often when struggling we "feel" so all alone. Your feelings are lying, HE is there! Remember that God loves you and will never forsake you! Hebrews 13:5
2) God is faithful! Even when we are not HE always is. He always does exactly what HE has said HE would do in HIS word! Read it, trust it and wait on HIM do fulfill it! 1 Corinthians 1:9
3) God's strength is made perfect in our weakness! You will never know how Great HE is until you come to the END of your abilities and strength. HE waits till we give in to HIM before HE will fill us with much needed grace/strength.
2 Corinthians 12:9
4) God NEVER Fails! Though I have failed so many times I have lost count (and I am glad HE has promised not to remember them also), HE has never failed on even one single promise. HE always does what HE said HE would do and HIS timing is always perfect. Especially when I do not understand!!! Matthew 5:18
It is times of hardship that we find out what or whom we are depending on. I found, as you will one day have to acknowledge, that without HIM we can do nothing. Life with God IS the abundant life, no matter what our circumstances. Life without God IS emptiness and struggle. The real question is do you want to sing in the midst of your life or do you want stress?
It is in those hard times that we can meet God in a way like no other. HE would love to lavish HIS grace upon us but so many times we turn away and flee to our worldly ways and miss the wonder of HIM and HIS grace! HIS grace is sufficient for me and I am thrilled to tell you, there is still enough for your heart and life today! Jesus said....come to ME all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest! Come on in the water is fine!!!
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