No doubt this is a hard concept to keep in mind everyday. We face frustrations, trials, obstacles, failures, pain, injury, betrayal, abuse and diseases that we can't understand. We start to wonder why me, why my family, why my friends? It doesn't make sense to us because in our finite minds, we can only see a small portion of the entire universe created by God. That doesn't mean that it hurts less. It shows that we are so small our understanding can't put everything together.

That is why we have to depend on faith in the one who created everything. Some people believe it's just a crutch that is used to avoid reality. If that is their choice, it's OK... for them. For me, it's a choice of looking at the reality of truth; the constant flood of evidence that shows God made a plan, executed the plan and made a provision for me to not only live in the plan but to live more abundantly. Through Jesus Christ, he's provided a way for me to face the painful moments and see my way through them.

It's not done by faith in my abilities because I'm incomplete by myself. It's not done by faith in friends, family, riches, power or anything in this earth. It's only made available when I release my control to Jesus. When I give up my own motives and accept his directives, I have found the results are more beneficial for me and everyone around me. That's how I know my pains have a greater purpose because I have already lived through enough of them yet I am still here today.

Now that I am here and have made it through those troubles, what am I going to do with the life and experiences God has given me?  What will I do as each new trial comes along? Tell someone else just how glorious it can be!

Do you really know how wonderful God's plans are for you? (Jeremiah 29:11)

~~
twh

The Blessings of God by Charles Stanley of InTouch Ministries

Read | Ephesians 1:3-14

Everyone experiences difficulty in life. During painful times, we may feel as though God is not blessing us. But even then, we are experiencing many of His amazing gifts, despite the fact that they might be escaping our notice.

Below are several examples of blessings we can enjoy on bright or dark days:

• We are assured that our almighty God chose us before the foundation of the world(v. 4). He predestined us to be adopted as His children (v. 5). We can feel special and wanted because the Sovereign of the universe selected us.

• Jesus provided our salvation through His death and resurrection (v. 7). He redeemed us from sin that causes separation from God and ultimately leads to death. As a result, we receive a brand-new nature and daily forgiveness of iniquities (2 Cor. 5:17; 1 John 1:9).

• The Holy Spirit resides within us. He guides, warns, and fills us so we always have access to counsel or comfort. And because He also seals us, our eternity is secure (Eph. 1: 13).

• Our Father prepares an inheritance for us that is imperishable (1 Peter 1:4). We may experience momentary troubles, but we can look forward to living eternally in God’s presence, where there is joy and no suffering.

In painful situations, you might be tempted to conclude that the Lord’s hand isn’t resting on your life. But believers have wonderful spiritual blessings at all times. Without the four permanent gifts listed above, fear and emptiness would be overwhelming. Ponder these benefits, and express gratitude, even in difficulty.