Hello brave ones!
It has been a challenging month for a close friend. Through this trial, me and my husband have seen just how much faith this person has in God and it has encouraged us so much.
Without going to much into detail about what happened to our friend, I will say, one of his family members passed away.
When thinking about all the pain this person was going through and is still going through I asked myself, “Would my faith be as great? Would I be able to get up in the morning and say to God thank you for your perfect will?” I certainly hope so but it is so hard for me to imagine.
I was lead (by this friend of mine) to read a verse that goes along with what’s happening in his life. In 2 Corinthians 12:10 Paul writes:
“That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Wow, how beautiful and how faithful those words are. If you think about all Paul went through in his life (being locked up in prison, being in near-death situations etc.) he still was able to be joyful in Christ.
Paul had his eyes so fixed on Christ that he couldn’t help but rejoice. His writings show he knew that Christ would deliver him as he wrote in Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Paul knew what his purpose was and he rested in the promise of eternal life.
Like Paul, my friend is providing me, my husband and our friends a wonderful example of great faith and assurance in Christ.
My dear friends no matter what dark valley you are in right now, Christ can and will be your light and joy. I pray that we all can live for Christ all the time, die to ourselves daily and keep our eyes fixed on his perfect will. I am sure that if we do this, God will give us the endurance and strength to get through the many trials and hardships of this life.
The key, like Paul and my friend found, is remembering that in Christ we are made strong. Praise God!
Praying for you all, Laura Xo