The rainbow after the storm. When food tastes good again after
chemo. First steps after a major stroke. The first breath of fresh air after an
asthma attack. The call that a loved one is safe. We should bottle these
moments in our lives. Why does it take suffering to recognize all we take for
granted? The ordinary blessings of an ordinary day should be treasured. Every
single day. Somehow, it takes disaster and grief to appreciate the daily gifts
of God.
And, yet, we blame
Him when things go wrong, when the diagnosis is not what we expected, when a
loved one dies too soon. The world fell thousands of years ago when man turned
away from God. Natural consequences and a fallen world lead to the hardships of
life. But God works in them and through them. He redeems and rescues. And He
resurrects.
Not only
so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope
does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our
hearts, through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Christ suffered for
the beauty that awaited Him. He suffered for you and for me. When we have
Christ, we have a new beginning waiting beyond every end. We have hope and it
will never fade away. He is always there at the end of every story, even on to
our eternal home of blessing.
Jesus,
Glorying in our suffering sounds impossible. With You, all
things are possible. We thank You for every good and perfect gift we take for
granted. Help us to look around today and appreciate You and all we have.
Amen
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