“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2-3
The Special Olympics coach I assist is the mother of three now-grown children, each with varying degrees of disabilities. Her life has included one unanticipated challenge after another. Yet she displays the love and joy of Christ daily. She and her husband demonstrate a life of faith that has come out of both the trials and the delights of raising their children. Although some may pity them, they simply see God at work.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11 of numerous trials God had brought him through. No one would ask for imprisonment, beatings, poverty, or any of the other ordeals Paul endured. Yet he saw these trials as the Lord’s spiritual workshop, the very place where God would shape him more into the image of Christ. Paul’s brokenness made him depend more fully on the Lord, and in that he rejoiced (see Colossians 1:24).
Whatever long-term or short-term challenges you face, your heavenly Father will use your brokenness for His glory, for your good, and for the benefit of others. And He promises to be with you!
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11 of numerous trials God had brought him through. No one would ask for imprisonment, beatings, poverty, or any of the other ordeals Paul endured. Yet he saw these trials as the Lord’s spiritual workshop, the very place where God would shape him more into the image of Christ. Paul’s brokenness made him depend more fully on the Lord, and in that he rejoiced (see Colossians 1:24).
Whatever long-term or short-term challenges you face, your heavenly Father will use your brokenness for His glory, for your good, and for the benefit of others. And He promises to be with you!
Scripture Focus
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Insight
“Days of darkness still come o’er me,/ Sorrow’s paths I often tread,/ But the Savior still is with me;/ By His hand I’m safely led.” (Francis Rowley, 1886)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Kings 17-18
- Proverbs 8
- Hebrews 11