Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
Life is hard. I know that comes as a shock to you. OK, so it isn't a shock, it's reality. But we all wonder why it has to be that way, why God lets it be that way. The answer (or answers) to the "why" question are murky at best, but it is true that adversity builds our character. And our character is the only thing we take with us when we leave this world. Rather than asking you to take my word on this, I thought I would let scripture speak for itself.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10)And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded. (2 Chronicles 15:7)Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:4)Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13)Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)
The crown of life is waiting for you.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
Lord, sometimes it is so hard to carry the heavy burdens life gives to us.
My footsteps falter and I stumble along the way.
It is hard to see clearly and many times I just want to give up and follow my own path.
Send Your Spirit of strength to me Lord, so that I can remember with clarity my faith in You.
Let me be victorious over temptations, and see only my vision of Your love and truth.
Help me not to give up, help me to remember that You are there always, my constant Companion and Friend.
You wipe away my tears of grief and sorrow, my discouragement, and all the sufferings of this life.
Thank you Lord for the salvation you have given to me but most of all Your promise of eternal life without end.
Amen!
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