I have this devotional by Kay Arthur called “Lord, I Give You This Day” that had an entry I just HAD to share with you. Please be patient through the large amount of words for a post…I think you’ll really enjoy it:

When we trust God’s purposes during trials, others see the reality of Christ and His sufficiency in us. Have you ever seen your trials and suffering from this perspective? As you appropriate His all-sufficient grace, afflictions become your platform for sharing the reality of Christ. Thus Paul wrote, “We who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh…For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God (2 Cor 4:11,1 5)”
Paul viewed his sufferings as God’s means of spreading His grace to others. Our suffering will do the same if we stand firm in His grace.
When the saints suffer, it is never in vain. Why? Because those without Christ realize that if they were in our shoes, they would probably behave differently. As we appropriate God’s grace, they see us “in no way alarmed by [our] opponents” (Phil 1:28)
Remember, we are afflicted, “but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor 4:8-9). The way we suffer shows the difference between us and the lost. The difference is the grace of God – grace that not only saves us but sustains us, sufficient for every need, every trial.

What struck me was not that we face trials, but that God TRUSTS us with the trials in order that we would glorify Him. In a way, they are a gift. A very smart talking vegetable once said, “We can not choose our gifts, just what we do with them.” Sara, thank you for sharing your choice to glorify God in your trials. He shines bright.

All our love from across the ocean,
Tracey and the Beers Six Pack

I was glad to sit down today and read a month’s worth of updates. Ever since the hurricane came through and knocked out our power for nine days I’ve been in the hole with email and such. I like the new hair-do, I think it would feel really good for our Houston summers.

Much love,

Valerie

I am always inspired by your strength, your faith, and your abiltiy to articulate the balance you are negotiating between loving God and His plan for your life, and, as you called it your “shake-your-fist…” moments. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Your battle and recovery will continue in my prayers.

Georgia

All the best Mike and Lisa Scibetta