Do you experience trials and setbacks in this
world? As a matter of fact, we all do. Paul made a list of his issues (2
Corinthians 11:16-33) and I felt led to do so too.
In my lifetime so far, I have been saddled
with a melancholy personality and was raised by two children of alcoholics,
which included an emotionally distant mother and an angry, bipolar father.
I was raped as a pre-teen, discarded by the
husband of my youth (1 Timothy 5:8; Malachi 2:14),
and lived through and healed from two different wrecks resulting in totaled
cars.
Experiencing the consequences in my life of circumstances
caused by those closest to me and losing all of my personal possessions several
times, I learned to trust only in the Lord's love and provision.
I lived as a house parent in a children's home
with ten dysfunctional children for almost two years, while being separated
from my own children and grandchildren by many years and several states.
Against my will and better judgment, I endured
the stress and mess of house remodels while I lived in them. I still shudder at
the memories, but am thankful that I made the decision never to subject myself
to that chaos again.
I am still dealing with an immune system that
is attacking the healthy cells in my body and I have lost the partial function
of a few organs that are permanently affected by this autoimmune disorder.
God continues to heal me emotionally,
physically, mentally and spiritually from the anguish caused by these major
events in my life.
Through it all, I have come to the conclusion
that I am truly a pilgrim and sojourner in this world, that my life is hidden
with Christ in God and that I have eternal life reigning supreme in me, now and
throughout eternity (Hebrews 11:13; Colossians 3:3-4; John 17:3).
Prayer:
Father God, many people suffer much more than
I did in my life; but You also give to them the comfort, provision and survival
skills that You gave to me and to the Apostle Paul. You make me flourish in the
lean times and thankful and grateful during the times of plenty. My peace and
joy no longer depend on circumstances.
Help everyone to realize Your presence in our
life during the bad times as well as the good. You taught me to count my trials
as joyful experiences (James 1:2-3). Give everyone the hope that I have learned
through Your presence with me in my trials. When we cast our cares on You in
prayer with thanksgiving (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6), Your peace floods our
soul.
Thought for the Day:
Through every negative issue in life, God is
still on His throne and remains in complete control of every concern in our
life; He plants seeds for a miracle in every one of our setbacks and trials and
brings us through them as a victor and warrior for His Kingdom.
