I've been reading "You Were Made For More" by Jim Cymbala and can't recommend it enough! Our culture tends to just settle for a "random" mindset. It can be tempting to get caught up in the feeling that there's no meaning to the difficulties in our lives. But it's just not true!
This is a paragraph from the book:
"The unwanted, troubling, mystifying, "senseless" things that happen in our lives are occasions to instill strength in our character, force us to pray as never before, and give us a testimony to help others in need. Our struggles are simply a sign that we, like the ancient Israelites, were made for more."
This makes me think of Romans 5: 3-5 "...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
We may not get all the explanations that we want as to why things are going the way they are, but it sure is good to know that there is a purpose behind it all.
These verses may be very familiar, but I don't think we can meditate on them enough...Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
The puzzle isn't completed yet, but God knows what it's supposed to look like. And He's working it all to fit together beautifully. And once you're starting to see the bigger picture of how your puzzle is coming together, be sure to pray for others who are just as puzzled as you are now.
2nd Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
2 comments:
Boy did I need to hear this today. I need to get this book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Hope all is going well with you.
Glad you were encouraged! I think Jim's books are "down to earth" where the rubber meets the road...yet filled with faith also. Hope you are awesome.
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