Tag: difficulties

Stone of Remembrance

This morning, after speaking to my Mother and then reading a devotional from Our Daily Bread, I was challenged to remember. Remember what God has brought me through; the battles He has already helped me overcome; the times that I so strongly wanted to give up, and yet God enabled me to keep going.

It’s so easy to forget those times.

It’s so easy to continue through life from one day to the next, focusing on our present difficulties and not taking the time to remember the victories that God has already accomplished in our lives.

But it’s in remembering that we gain the strength to push past our present difficulties and move forward.

After I completed a 12 week mental health program in September of this year, my small group held a little ceremony, and I was given the opportunity to choose a stone from a box. A stone that would help me to remember the time that I had spent in the program, and all that I had learned. It was meant to be a physical representation of this time in my life: of the struggles I faced, the hard work and effort I put into my recovery, the relationships that I built with my doctor, therapists, and group members–of the fact that I had reached the end of this specific journey and was now moving on to the next.

God has always been there for me. He has never let me down. Yes, there were–and still are–many times when I feel like I won’t be able to get through whatever it is I’m struggling with. Times when I prayed and prayed, yet felt like I received no clear answer from God. Times when I even doubted God, or got angry with Him, because it seemed like He wasn’t there, wasn’t helping me.

But the truth was–and IS–that God is there. He is with me. He is guiding me, strengthening me, encouraging me. Giving me the insight and wisdom that I need to make life decisions. Giving me the grace and mercy that I need when I mess up (and there are so many times that I mess up)! Giving me the understanding, acceptance, and compassion that I deeply long for, when I feel alone and misunderstood.

He is there for YOU today.

Take a moment to review your past experiences and to remember the difficulties that God has brought you through. There are most likely many circumstances that He has helped you to overcome! That same God–the God who helped you in times past–is with you today. And He will help you face the challenges of tomorrow. ❤

A Greater Purpose

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us…
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 
~Romans 8:18; 28-30

Have you ever thought that God may have a greater purpose for us than just making us happy?

I love the verse Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” But if you look at the verses around it, a larger perspective seems to be given.

In verse 18 of Chapter 8, Paul writes that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Also, connected to the end of Romans 8:28 (regarding God working all things for our good) is verse 29, which states: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

God wants to conform His children into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ! In this way, He receives the glory that He is due. And many times, He uses trials in our lives to make us more like Jesus.

Yes, God works out everything for our good, and He wants what is best for us. I believe this wholeheartedly! But sometimes He may accomplish His work in us through circumstances that we would not choose for ourselves. Circumstances that are difficult; uncomfortable; trying. But He knows what He is doing, and He knows that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (vs 18). He has a greater purpose!

This is often difficult to believe and accept. Truthfully, I am having a hard time wrestling with this truth right now. Over the past week, circumstances and situations have not been ideal. They have not turned out the way that I would have wanted. It seems as if my prayers are not being answered.

But I must believe that God knows what He is doing, and that He is working all of these difficult situations out for my good–and to make me more like Christ!

If you are struggling with difficult circumstances today and are feeling discouraged, do not lose heart! God does have a purpose, and He does have a plan. He does know what is best for us; and even though the path may be difficult and not what we would call ideal, in His great love for us He is working it all out for our good–both in this lifetime and for eternity!

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Our Time of Need

our-time-of-need

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

~Hebrews 4:15-16

Come to Jesus with boldness today to receive His grace and mercy–not because of what we have done or haven’t done, but because of who Christ is and what HE has done for us! Hallelujah!