Anyone remember that group? They were big in the 80's and early 90's. Looking at my house makes me think of them. The flooring guys finished most of the tear-out yesterday. Today they are grinding the tile areas to get the last of the adhesive up. What a horrific job, we have been pretty good at keeping the upstairs closed up and dust free so far.
Today's verse (below) is a stark reminder of what we can expect in this world. E and I were discussing this Monday in the context of the cancer patients for whom she cares. It is so easy to lose sight of the fact that this life here on earth is very, very temporary. One way that I like to look at it is that we are "in school" here and when we graduate, we go home to be with Jesus. The trials and suffering that we go through here can be described in terms of homework and tests.
We get hung up on what happens to us as if this was all there was. We wonder why "good people" have to suffer with horrible diseases. The truth is that God has chosen to use them in ways that we are not capable of handling. God will never give us trials that exceed our ability to handle (although it most always seems that way). God never allows things to happen except that a) He is aware of it, b) it is part of His plan and c) it will work towards "good."
It is because of these things that James reminds us to:
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (James 1:2-3)
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Verse of the day
For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. Philippians 1:29
1 comment:
James 1v2-5 have become some of my favorite verses in the last year or so, as I have really begun to understand them and truely see the joy! Also the verse of the day you have below..."For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him." Philippians 1:29!!!! Amazing to know that we can be united with him in such a way that we are not only united in his death and therefore in his life and resurrection, but also share in the suffering as a servant who seeks to make his master known in a world of people who have rejected the very idea of Him. We can take comfort in our suffering knowing that the kingdom of God is for those who are persecuted because of Him and that the world does not hate us, but rather Him in us, therefore, he will stand by us to the end!
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