BereanNotes

Without What I’m Going Through September 22, 2011

(This is a re-post from a couple of years ago. It just seemed to me it needed to go out again)

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 NIV)

Without what I’m going through, I might feel I know the warmth of Your embrace but not be able to share it with others.

Without what I’m going through, I wouldn’t know how really good You are or truly enjoy all the goodness you’ve shown me before now.

Without what I’m going through, I wouldn’t be able to comfort others and to truly empathize with them.

Without what I’m going through, I’d still think I had all the answers (or at least most of them) and wouldn’t be so open to Your molding me into the likeness of Christ.

Without what I’m going through, I wouldn’t be dependent on You, or still.

Without what I’m going through, the darkness wouldn’t have come, and Christ-in-me would not have shined like the sun.

Without what I’m going through, I wouldn’t grow stronger, have a stiffer backbone, or be able to face hardship at all.

Without what I’m going through, my hope would be shallow, my faith would seem weak, and love would seem impossible.

Without what I’m going through, my faith, which is more precious than gold, would never grow into all You’ve created it to be.

Sooo………..

Right in the middle of what I’m going through, I thank You, Almighty God……..

………for all that I’m going through……..

………because I’m not alone. You’re right here in this mess with me.

Terry