DAILY DEVOT IONAL 15
Carol Gibson
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - Jas. 1:2-4
These were the first words I heard during my first bible study outing after suffering a devastating loss, the loss of a baby. It was difficult to grasp the meaning of this verse with a broken heart. Turmoil and bewilderment were the only emotions I could feel. Why Lord? I sat quietly while others in this bible study gave meaning to these verses.
As the days progressed, I became aware of how God in His omniscience provided the Holy Spirit to minister to me through unexpected phone calls, cards/notes, family and friends, and those in the body of Christ. I began to expect his love and mercy. My bewilderment eventually became a different perspective of my situation. I began to look to God and His faithfulness. As I looked upward, I could see God’s hand in almost every circumstance. He surrounded me with those who embodied a spirit of compassion and understanding. In addition, the word of God became a balm to my spirit. Studying His word allowed me to internalize His faithfulness and love. Eventually, God showed me how I could minister to those who suffered similar losses.
God uses everything. He wants us to understand the sacrifice He made for us through his Son for the remission of our sins. As we begin to understand this sacrifice, hopefully, we will accept His call to love and allow His light to shine through us to others.
How have you responded to disappointments? Did your faith enable you to see God’s hand amid your circumstances.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness in all things. Help me to look up and understand how you care for me in all situations I may encounter. You are my light Father, so allow you light to shine through me so that I may be a beacon that draws others to you. You are my strength in the time of trouble, and I will forever give you thanks and praise. Hallelujah and Amen.