Silver Lining

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV, 1984)

Have you ever had an experience in your life where you asked a lot of questions?  Why is this happening to me?  Where is God?  Why is this happening right now?  Why has God allowed this?  How am I ever going to get through this?  There is a long list of questions that seem to have no answers.  You muddle through your days, just trying to see some light ahead on your pathway.

I have been there a few times in my life and for a while there seemed to be no answers to any of my questions.  God was silent and the world around dark and closing in.  But God’s Word shed light on these times and gave me a silver lining to the dark clouds.  Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose.”  And in John 16:33b it says, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 

Take heart.  God loves.  God knows.  God is working.  God will perfect you.  God will use you.

God didn’t promise life on earth to be easy, but He promised to work in and through all things that occur in our lives to His perfect plan and for His glory.  And if you are faithful and wait and keep an eye out, God will use your hurts and pain and questioning to help someone else along on their journey here on earth!  Trust Him, talk to Him and keep watching for your sliver lining!   

{Father, thank you for the reassurance that You know the hard times are coming, and that You have already mapped out Your plan for me in the midst of the times when I cannot see the road ahead or hear You speak. Help me trust, even in the midst of my hurt, that You are in control. Amen.}

Day 10 – PURE joy

Melissa Cardwell

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3  (NIV)

Consider it PURE joy when we go through trials of every kind. What a crazy statement! In this world, it seems that we would be more joyful going through peaceful times. But when looking at it from a perspective outside of our own, God shows us that it really is a blessing to persevere through the stressful, sad, anxious, and trying times. This life isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Over time, we start to develop the ability to keep on running even though we’re tired, have a cramp, and can barely breathe anymore. But the finish line is so near. It’s so promising. So, we persevere. We need to keep persevering, because when we do, we will receive God’s blessings and will bless others along the way.

{Lord, give me strength as I try to persevere through the troubles in this world. I know that you will hold and guide me through the good and bad, but please show yourself to me in those times. Let me see your works in every area of my life. Let me be a beacon of light in this world as I face the struggles in my own life. Please use and guide me in all that I do. In Your name.}

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