Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 NIV
One of the devotionals I get is from Oswald Chambers. I find he says many things that I find difficult, but that my spirit knows to be true. This is part of one I received today and it inspired me to write today. Today is not one of the good days for me. Yet these words beg to be written. Here are his words:
“God is the Master Engineer, He allows the difficulties to come in
order to see if you can vault over them properly - "By my God have I
leaped over a wall." God will never shield you from any of the
requirements of a son or daughter of His. Peter says - "Think it not
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you." Rise to the
occasion; do the thing. It does not matter how it hurts as long as it
gives God the chance to manifest Him self in your mortal flesh.”
I realize that once again, I can respond to my current circumstances with either a whine - or I can consider myself a burnt offering - a sacrifice - broken and spilled out for him.
How do I look at my life at this moment? A burden - a cross to be born - a painful trial, or do I look at it as a tool that can, by God’s grace, vault over that can serve as inspiration to others?
So much of life is choice. “Rise to the occasion,” “Do the next thing,” - and give God the glory.
On this rainy, painful day, when I shrink in fear from the possibilities of my body’s behavior and my husband’s health, I can choose. Do I curl up in a ball and hide, thinking the worst - dreading what might come upon us? Oor do I rise to the occasion, realize God is with me and do the best I can?
Whine ..... or wine. The choice is ours.
Father God, I give you this day. It is not the day I expected, nor the day I had hoped for - but it is the day you have given me. I will rise to the occasion and look to you to get me through. I praise you that the glory will all belong to You