I recently spent a glorious day on an island with my family. It was too cold and windy to swim or sunbathe but we enjoyed the scenery, good food and of course, the shopping. One of my favorite stores is full of wood plaques of all sizes painted with lovely, and sometimes funny, little sayings. As I was leaving the shop I looked up on the wall behind the counter and read a saying that I had never seen before. “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Honestly, as much as I like that saying, if there were a switch I could flip at the beginning of each day that would determine whether the day would be smooth sailing or rough seas, I can assure you, I would flick that switch to smooth sailing every single time. Who would choose a day of trials and accidents and defeat if the choice were theirs to make? Yet, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” speaks to me. I do want to be a skilled sailor as I journey this uncertain sea that is life. When a storm comes my way, I want to be … [Read more...]
Trials Develop Character and Will Not Lead to Disappointment
Anyone with breath in their lungs knows that life can be hard. For some it may be harder than others, and for many, there are seasons of very difficult times that never seem to end. I feel like my life is the latter. I feel like my life has been one long season of trial after trial after trial. I have even found myself crying out to God: "Why me, Lord"?? Then, I will see some horrific news story and realize, it CAN be worse and it IS for some. So, now, I always remember, yes, I am going through a trial, but it CAN be worse. If we focus on the good; while not always easy, and in many cases easier said than done, it really does make the trial more palatable. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy … [Read more...]
Every Scar and Pain Prayer
Lord, I am amazed at the many ways You reveal Yourself to me and for how You have brought me through difficult trials. My life has been through many seasons of pain and even started out with pains that no child should endure. Yet, through it all, I know that You were with me every step of the way. I know that You held my hand through every tear and that You protected me--even when what I had to endure seemed to be beyond what I could take. I want You to know that I am thankful for every scar because I know that each of them made me the woman I am today. I know that with every pain I learned to trust You more. I know that with every cut and bruise on my heart came strength and discernment. I know that You have given me gifts and insights that are priceless. There were times that I wished I could have walked a different road, and not have to endure some of those pains, however, I know now that they were all part of a bigger picture and that my life is not my own--it is Yours. I am … [Read more...]
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