The benefits that come from adversity most often aren't the blessings we want or think we need. Therefore, finding words to express gratitude for them can be difficult. Our effort to do so is, at the very least, an act of humility and obedience, showing God that we are willing to trust Him and try to explore our situation for any good it might contain.
Being schooled in patience and submissiveness to God's will are great lessons, but they are not easy lessons. God knows that, and is aware of our struggle to find the meekness and faith it takes to say "thank you" even when the "gift" is one we would rather not have received. There is a true tenderness that enters our hearts during such humble prayer, as we pour out our soul and express our gratitude that He knows better than we do, and we are willing to accept our situation, believing that He is watching over us, that He cares about what we are going through, and that He will turn our suffering into a blessing.
Such humility, I believe, touches not only our heart, but His, and I think He cannot be restrained from blessing us. At least I have found that, as I have thus prayed, there is an outpouring of guidance and a tangible feeling of His love. Sometimes I think He is just waiting for us to recognize that He is always there--not just in good times, but in difficulties, too. He wants us to have the experiences that develop our trust in Him; that show us He can make all things work together for our good, if we don't remove ourselves from His influence through bitterness and anger. As we express thanks for our difficulties it is a manifestation of that recognition, and I believe His heart swells with appreciation toward us for saying, in effect, "Thank you, I know you love me, even though I am in pain just now. I know you haven't abandoned me. I know that you understand my suffering because you have already experienced this kind of pain and so much more. Thank you for always abiding with me." When we are angry and bitter, we can't convey that message. We aren't feeling the truth of that message, or having faith in it.
Severe trials present us with such difficult life lessons. My heart goes out to anyone who is suffering through adversity that seems to them more than they can bear. In truth, it probably is more than they can handle on their own. Consequently, our times of trial are not times to close ourselves off from God. As we express our thanks for adversity, and our confidence in His love, I believe it actually opens up a channel between us and His divine power. Through that channel flows peace, understanding, and guidance. Through it comes greater patience and faith so that we can endure for as long as we must. It is interesting to me that we possess such power. Indeed we, and only we, have the power to open that divine portal. He stands at the door, but we must open it (see Rev.3:20). It is accomplished through our humility, faith, obedience, and gratitude, and it is rewarded.
Such humility, I believe, touches not only our heart, but His, and I think He cannot be restrained from blessing us. At least I have found that, as I have thus prayed, there is an outpouring of guidance and a tangible feeling of His love. Sometimes I think He is just waiting for us to recognize that He is always there--not just in good times, but in difficulties, too. He wants us to have the experiences that develop our trust in Him; that show us He can make all things work together for our good, if we don't remove ourselves from His influence through bitterness and anger. As we express thanks for our difficulties it is a manifestation of that recognition, and I believe His heart swells with appreciation toward us for saying, in effect, "Thank you, I know you love me, even though I am in pain just now. I know you haven't abandoned me. I know that you understand my suffering because you have already experienced this kind of pain and so much more. Thank you for always abiding with me." When we are angry and bitter, we can't convey that message. We aren't feeling the truth of that message, or having faith in it.
Severe trials present us with such difficult life lessons. My heart goes out to anyone who is suffering through adversity that seems to them more than they can bear. In truth, it probably is more than they can handle on their own. Consequently, our times of trial are not times to close ourselves off from God. As we express our thanks for adversity, and our confidence in His love, I believe it actually opens up a channel between us and His divine power. Through that channel flows peace, understanding, and guidance. Through it comes greater patience and faith so that we can endure for as long as we must. It is interesting to me that we possess such power. Indeed we, and only we, have the power to open that divine portal. He stands at the door, but we must open it (see Rev.3:20). It is accomplished through our humility, faith, obedience, and gratitude, and it is rewarded.
What a fine quote. Thank for Sharon! (pun)
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