Romans 12:12 (NIV) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Affliction (trouble- NLT; hard times-The Message; tribulation-KJVS) will come. Don’t be surprised by trials. They can do something within us—create growth. The good news about the hard things of life is that, if we respond to them correctly, something very good can come out of them. Each day there is a lesson in the trial: learning to praise rather than complain; learning to live in gratitude for our blessings rather than focusing on what we’ve lost; recognizing the provision of God over the pain of the moment. We have to learn to be patient in affliction. These are hard won lessons so we just have to keep walking one step at a time. Remember, you are not alone in your trial. Jesus has experienced it all. He knows and He understands. “For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2). When you have no more strength to endure, He will carry you (Song of Songs 8:5 – Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover?) The biggest lesson we learn in trials is how to lean on the Lord.
One Comment
Ron Lively
Thank you for being here each morning. It’s a fine way to start the day.