Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
James 5: 7-11
The spiritual life needs opposition to bring out its best development. It flourishes most luxuriantly in adverse circumstances. The very temptations which make our lives one unceasing warfare train us to become true soldiers of Christ. The hardness of our experiences, which seem to us to be more than we can possibly endure, make the very school of life for us in which we learn our best lessons and grow into whatever beauty and Christlikeness of character we attain.
Taken from the book: "Today, Lord, I Will"
My Thoughts:
This is something that's been on my mind lately; the hardships we endure and how we handle them. Do we grow through them gracefully or do we kick against the goads as Paul did? Do we see them as opportunities to grow and develop more into the image of our beloved Savior, or do we think that God is punishing us because the circumstances of our lives do not reflect what "we" think they should be? I can't tell you how many times I've heard fellow Christians utter the words, "why is God doing this to me? Why is He allowing this to happen?" If we could only learn to wrap our minds around the fact that He is allowing it for our benefit. To mold us and shape us into the image of His Son.
9 comments:
Good thoughts Cori! We have a lot to learn about trusting in a Sovereign God! Hope you have a lovely day. We're headed to the airport and I hear we're having a scorcher in so.Ca. today!
I just had a conversation about this with my brother. He is having a difficult time understanding why God is allowing my parents to suffer so, and I tried to tell him that sometimes I believe their suffering is to change hearts around them. It's all blessing and no burden to have them in my home again. Wishing you a happy and safe trip. **blows kisses** Deborah
I always think, "why not"...but it's still not fun...just thankful He loves me no matter what.
So true Cori! I always think about that kind of thing also. By the way I love the Kenny Loggins Return to Pooh Corner song too. It is one of my all time favorites. I was so excited to see it on your playlist :) Have a great Sunday.
All the best,
Allison
Hi, Cori! It's good to be back in the blog world. I had such a lovely visit with my son and his sweet family. They left directly after church this morning (sigh).
Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts. I often think about the subject of hardships. No one likes to suffer, but it is part of God's economy. Sometimes after suffering, we look back and clearly see the reason for our painful trial. Other times, we are never able to discern God's mind. Nonetheless, it is always a walk of faith.
Take care, and I so appreciate your words today.
Blessings,
Andrea
I was just pondering along this theme the other day...I told my hubby that in hardships our hearts will either become softer, gentler, kinder, more compassionate or harder, bitter, harsh, mean.
I try to keep in mind that whatever sufferings I go through they do not compare to His...watching the Passion of the Christ reminds me of that. If He can endure, so can I.
I was taught that sufferings were meant to be offered up to God and that they made us holier.
Hope your week is a good one my friend!
Hugs, Pat
Thanks for visiting my site! I hardly have a chance to blog what with finishing up my semester. I loved Extraordinary Desserts! I wish I could visit everyday, but then, that could create a nutritional hazard!! Hope you have a great day!
I agree with you and fairmaiden. We can soften and grow or become hard and stagnant in hardships. I have seen lately in my own life, that although I have chosen to harden in the hardship, it is never too late to soften, He is just waiting for it.
I am so thankful for his faithfulness, even though I am unfaithful to Him. To God be he glory!
~M
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