T r i a l s : Pure Joy?

   And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God. 

Romans 8:28

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, wrote--




--Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 
        James 1:1-3

Laura Story's "Blessings" is a beautiful song about mercies in disguise.

We pray for blessings,

we pray for peace,

comfort for family,

protection while we sleep.

We pray for healing, 

for prosperity.

We pray for your mighty hand to ease our suffering...

..what if Your blessings come through raindrops,

what if Your healing comes through tears?

What if a thousand sleeples nights

are what it takes to know You're near?

What if trials of this life 

are Your mercies in disguise?

...

Go to utube and listen to Laura Story's "Blessings."

You will fill blessed!  You may weep. 

Pass it on to friends.

Mental, physical, and spiritual pain?

Most of us don't escape it.

 Sometimes it appears when we least expect it.

Sometimes we see it coming.

We often do not choose the way we suffer.

{We sometimes do.}

God may allow us to live our lives denied of the one thing

we desire more than anything else...

God's Promise*

God has not promised to live our lives for us--
      but rather, to walk through our lives with us. 
Our part is to be faithful and obedient. 
His part is to lead us, guide us, protect us, and help us. 
Annie Johnson Flint recognized the true nature of God's promise in this poem:

What God Hath Promised

God hath not promised

Skies always blue,

Flower-strewn pathways

All our lives through;

God hath not promised

Sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow,

Peace without pain.

But God hath promised

Strength for the day,

Rest for the labor,

Light for the way,

Grace for the trials,

Help from above,

Unfailing sympathy,

Undying love.

Do what you know you can do today--and then trust god to do what you can not do.

I am with you all the days 
(perpetually,uniformly, and on every occasion),

to the close and consummation of the age.

 Matthew 28:20

 

We need both knowledge
of our circumstances in
life-- and wisdom...
Knowledge provides information
and awareness for problem
solving.
Wisdom, however, fashions
the mind and the heart.   

Dear Lord,

When I am fearful,

I will lean upon You.

Keep me ever mindful, Lord,

that You are my God, my strength, and my shield.

With you by my side, I have nothing to fear.

And, with Your Son Jesus as my Savior,

I have received the priceless gift of eternal life.

Help me to be a grateful and courageous servant

this day and every day. 

Amen

*prayer from 365 Daily Devotions

For Women, Day 110

*devotional taken from

COFFEE BREAK WITH GOD

Honor Books

Tulsa OK