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When we were younger, many of us had dreams of how our lives would be. We would marry the man of our dreams, have two children, a nice house, two cars, and with no problems coming our way.
However........life doesn't always go as planned.
The dreams that were once there are replaced with reality and the white picket fence that surrounded your trouble free life has fallen down, letting in circumstances that you never dreamed or imagined.
Where do we turn when the harshness of life cuts us to the core?
When financial difficulties arise, when the man of your dreams isn't who you thought he would be, when sickness and stress seep into the cracks of who you have become.
The answer....the Lord.
"Be prepared to suffer for me, in My name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely, even thanking Me for them, is one of the highest forms of praise. This sacrifice of praise rings golden-toned bells of joy throughout heavenly realms. On earth also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles.
When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me for My purposes. Thus your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness."
-Jesus Calling, Sarah Young
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4God never promises us a trouble free life. He does however promise to never leave our side. When problems arise we can either raise our fists in anger or fold them in prayer and give it over to the Lord.
So much can be learned from the sufferings in life. So much growth can happen if we choose to accept what is, instead of always wishing for what could be.
Let God work through you during the trying times, let Him mold you into the person He wants you to become. Let these opportunities grow your faith in Him, let it draw you near to His presence.
All for Him ~
Today we are so excited to have our W2W Word Filled Wednesday Link Up. We desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories in their comments. Use the hashtag #w2wwordfilledwednesday!
- Must be a {Christian} faith post.
- You must link back to W2W somewhere in your post. {check out our cute button!}
- You must visit and comment on at least one other blog in the link up.
Count it All Joy! Love this post! God doesn't put trials and tests upon us but He does take them and make something out of them for our good and for His glory! Thank you for this encouraging word this morning. And for the link up party too. Blessings! ♥
ReplyDeleteThere is a song that I just discovered by Jason Gray...It is called "Nothing is Wasted". It is really a beautiful song that holds such comfort in its truths. I'm trusting God that the road He his walking with me on has a plan. God won't waste our pain or our tears. I have learned over the years that He really does use all things for our good, and so, I'm trusting that He is doing that now as well.
ReplyDeleteIn His grip, Joan
I read that entry in Jesus Calling yesterday, too, and what struck me was the reiteration that all suffering has meaning. It makes it easier when you know there is a purpose. A little easier.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Shari!
ReplyDeleteIf we can look at anything we go through as an opportunity to make God look good, (Its all about bringing honor and glory to Him) then I believe we are able to learn from the trials we face!
Still working on doing this!
Hi Shari,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your encouraging post. Holding onto God and His perfect purposes, helps me get through the storms and rough waves.
Thanks also for the link-up.
I think God must want me to hear this message today. This is the second post in a row that I have read about hurting hearts. I appreciated what you shared, it touched my heart, and I was greatly encouraged by it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!
Love this, Shari! We can turn to God in all things. Beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteJust the other day I was thinking how life looks nothing like I pictured it would be at this age. I'm grateful for a God that walks along side of us through all the highs and lows of this life.
ReplyDeleteHello I'm visiting from another blog. Your blog is encouraging. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteComing by and linking up for the first time. Happy to find you! These are words I need to remember as my husband prepares to deploy. It will be a difficult season but I know He is with us. Loved this from Sarah Young -- "When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything." I know He will do something good during our time apart. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteThere is a growth in suffering that can come no other way. Someone once said, "He who has never suffered is poor." I couldn't agree more. Suffering brings us in closer fellowship with the Lord.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. My first time here. Hopefully, I will remember to link up to a future series.
How to Install a White Picket Fence. A white picket fence brings up a feeling of nostalgia. We envision country cottages and old movies. A picket fence provides some sense of security, keeping pets and children in the yard, without totally blocking out the outside world.
ReplyDeleteWhite Picket Fences