Thought for Thursday, March 22nd

March 22, 2012

How to Deal With What Is Real

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Peter  4:12-14

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:12-13

Quote of the Day

“All that is necessary is to accept the impossible, do without the indispensable and bear the intolerable.” – Kathleen Norris

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

Every rose garden has it’s thorns and into every life a little rain must fall:  adages or clichés, whichever you will call them: but the truth remains the same: both of these statements represents a consistent in reality.

Often we like to paint the lifestyle of the saved and forgiven as being carefree, devoid of troubles and free from bothers and frustration: but to do so is not to represent or depict the reality of life.

In fact God’s word promises us just the opposite.  Our faith grows as we face trials and testing; increased patience comes by tribulation and the Bible tells us we will be persecuted in the last days.

Yet, even though we know we will face challenges and difficulties as Christians we can know that we have a help that never leaves us, we have a protector who watches over us; we have strength from a power much greater than ourselves; and we know regardless of the circumstance or situation – greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world and that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who loves us and gave Himself for us.

Our duty as Christians is not to complain or whine but to embrace and rejoice.

Every challenge we face in life is but an opportunity for God’s grace, mercy and provision to be recognized and actualized in us.

So regardless of what may be – rejoice in the Lord always, give thanks and live for the glory of the Lord allowing Him to shine so that when all is said and done it will be by Him and for His glory that we face each day.

Today’s Prayer

Father you are more than amazing; bigger than all my problems and greater than any circumstance.  Forgive me when I whine or complain, and help me to trust in you, rely on you and submit to you so that you can take my trials and struggles and turn them into opportunities for you to work in my life and in the lives of others.

“There is no man in this world without some manner of tribulation or anguish.”

– Thomas a’Kempis

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans