A visiting woman to our congregation said to me, "It
is quite obvious that you have lived a pampered life." I was amazed that
she would say that, but realized that since she does not know me, she was
basing her assumption on the peace of God filling every cell in my body, soul
and spirit - His peace, which transcends human understanding and shines from
the inside out for all to see.
Through every trial, every physical infirmity and abuse,
every physical and emotional rejection (1 Timothy 5:8; Malachi 2:14), and
every moment of insecurity and fear through which I have lived, I have become a
person who clings to and relies on Jesus Christ for my very life. I have not
had a pampered life in the natural, but I can honestly agree with her that my
Heavenly Father spoils me rotten.
Of course, many people endure hardships much greater than I
have, and rise from them to live positive, productive lives without Christ;
although, they are never completely fulfilled, because their spirit is still
dead in sin. I owe the person that I am today to the sanctifying work of Christ
in my life (Philippians 3:8). There is no good thing in me or
in my character that did not come from God (Romans 7:18).
God replaced my melancholy personality with the fruit of
His Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); He taught me through experience
that every trial is a seed for a miracle, which He will work out for my good (Romans
8:28); and He gave me the courage to trust in Him during times of
abuse, abandonment and discouragement.
He showed me that my true identity is in Christ and not in
my human personality and abilities (Colossians 1:27); He
reminded me that we do not have to earn love, salvation or sanctification,
because they are all free gifts from Him (Galatians 3:1-3); and
twenty years ago, He gave me a wonderful husband who loves God more than he
loves me, and loves me more than he loves himself. All things considered, I
really am living a very pampered life!
Prayer:
Father God, I am humbled by Your love in my life. I am so glad
that I have eternity to continue to sing praises to You for all that You have
done, are doing and promise to do for me. Thank You for never leaving or
forsaking me (Hebrews 13:5), and for teaching me to trust
You in the good times and the bad, because You always turn everything around
for my good (Romans 8:28). You shower me with blessings and
prove to me all through the day that I am the apple of Your eye (Psalm
17:8; Zechariah 2:8) and that you cherish me as Your unique child (1 Peter
2:9). Help my testimony of Your goodness in my life to bring many to a
saving knowledge of Your love in their life as well.
Thought for the Day:
God's presence in our life delights our soul - our
thoughts, choices and feelings; heals our body; nurtures our spirit through
each and every day that we dwell on this earth; and finally receives us unto
Himself when we pass from this life to dwell in eternity with Him forever. -
John 5:24
