Rom 5:3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; Rom 5:4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; Rom 5:5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Getting through difficult times can be quite a challenge. Sleepless nights, stress and anxiety, frustration... it can really begin to take it's toll on me sometimes. But God is faithful. He will see me through the most difficult times that Satan and the world can throw my way.
Recently I have been thrust into a pretty difficult situation and in the beginning it seemed as if the outcome was going to be quite devastating. But the more I endure the difficulty the more I am able to see God's hand working moment by moment.
Numerous times throughout the day my thoughts gravitate toward something that relates to this circumstance. My life has been impacted greatly and the outcome will last for years. In it all, I have found comfort in Jesus. He has blessed me numerous times, giving me the needed strength and support at just the right moment. He has put people into my path to encourage me, He has lifted my spirits by allowing me to worship him even in times of need. He has never left my side.
I am currently reading through a book entitled "In Christ." It is a book written as a daily devotional with teachings from God's Word about living a life full of Christ. It not only has applicable scripture to daily living in Christ, but wraps them up in a nice package that is practical and insightful.
Without His hand on my life I know things would be different. I am beginning more and more to look at life through eternal eyes and not focus so much on the temporary problems at hand. "Eternal Perspective." When my focus is off of me and my problems and on Him and His provision, I am able to wade through the rivers that flow across my path much easier. I still get my feet wet, a little, but God is always there to help me to keep from drowning.
Eph 3:13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.
Eph 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
Eph 3:15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,
Eph 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,
Eph 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
Eph 3:19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
God is doing a good work in our lives and I know that it has a purpose and the purpose is good. Tribulation brings perseverance, perseverance proven character, and proven character brings hope. Not necessarily a hope for things of this world to go as I see fit, but a hope of things to come. A hope for eternal glory that far out weighs the burdens of today. Christ wants me to look at my life and see the big picture, the eternal picture.
Not just focusing on what is, but what He has promised is to come. To comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge...
Lord help me to see your face in the midst of my tribulations and struggles. I want to know you and I want to have an eternal perspective that helps me overcome not only my current situation, but the ones to come. I long to be a man of character who seeks you always and know that in all of my trials you are using it for my good. Thanks for being an awesome God.
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