We arrived home from a mini trip to Gulf Shores ALA. just a few hours ago. Mark and I were there for just two days, but we really enjoyed a wonderful time with my parents and a few friends. While we were there we visited a Dear Saint, an older friend. Though his body is worn and frail from cancer, God is still using him to talk and pray with other believers. So many of us will loose an awesome teacher when he leaves this world.
Frustrated, he cried because he is no longer able to even stand up by himself. Not so long ago Andrew cast his fisherman's net, and was able to pull up hundreds of pounds of fish into his boat. Think about the way God gives some people awesome power and or strength with their bodies and or minds. These people may seem like an endless power house, like Samson was. Then one day their abilities are taken away through illness or an accident.
Margaret, Andrew's wife of 67 years, told of her sadness when most of her "worldly treasures" were burned up in a house fire just a few years ago. Things like her great grandfathers Bible, their wedding certificate, and all her family pictures turned into ashes. What would you feel if you lost all your treasured keepsakes? God used this fire to remind Margaret that no treasure her on earth is everlasting.
As we sat there knowing this would be one of our last visits as friends on earth, we encouraged each other in love. The "things" and even our bodies will soon pass away, the love, and brotherhood through Christ's Blood will continue throughout eternity. Sometimes it's hard to understand the hard times, sickness and even death. Yet as we grow, how well we know, God uses everything in our lives for the good.
As God puts you through the tests and trials that this life promises, may you always seek Christ's will and knowledge in your life. Every breath we breathe is given from our Maker. There's an awesome beauty in knowing every child of God has access to our Heavenly Father's embrace. None of us should ever get too big, or too old to stretch out our arms and ask to be cradled in His arms. Though we are so weak-He is so strong.
"I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles." Philippians 4:12-14 (NIV)
Please remember all of us are like rough old stones, the rough edges and blemishes have to come off. Look at the trials and hardships as an opportunity to learn and grow. This "rock tumbler" that we call life shouldn't be so misunderstood, or resented. God's still working on a beautiful gem-your soul.
Finally, I know that anything God brings you to in life, He will see you through it. Don't push Him away.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
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