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Thoughts about Life’s Events

Trials

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious that gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV)

I found this quote I liked when I reviewed this one book. “Our gracious God never wastes a trial He permits to enter our lives. If we cooperate, He will use every difficulty, heartache, and hardship for our good and His glory.”(1.)

God’s word gives us several scriptures to guide us through those times of trial. Jesus tells us he has overcome the world. (John 16:33) The apostle James tells us our tribulations actually strengthen us. We become stronger in our faithfulness. (James 1:2-4) The Apostle Paul tells us “suffering produces endurance” which produces character, which, in turn produces hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

After we who follow Jesus reach a certain age in life, we reflect on those times of trial and realize God’s workings in our lives. He allows us to minister to and comfort others who face difficult circumstances in their own walk with the LORD.

We all have endured something that has initially caused us grief. God chooses to permit those situations into our lives in order to let us see who we really are. Then, He guides us through the issues, murky as they might be, to a new understanding of who He is and who we are. He does these things because of His vast love for us.

Encourage

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Encourage 1. a :to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope :hearten she was encouraged to continue by her early success. b :to attempt to persuade :urge they encouraged him to go back to school. 2 :to spur on :stimulate warm weather encourages plant growth. 3:to give help or patronage to :foster government grants designed to encourage conservation. (2.)

God encourages us by sending people into our lives to aid us in understanding events going on in and around our lives.

God uses His people to build one another up. One of the Gifts of the Spirit is encouragement. Children of God do this when they tell someone they miss them at church. It only takes a little bit of effort on our part.

We encourage people going through a difficult time by praying for them, by sending them a card, or just by listening to them when they talk.

We went to the grocery store early this afternoon. While there, I ran into a lady from church. I am acquainted with her, we work in different ministries. After she spoke to me, she next said she wanted a copy of my book. She inquired how I was doing with the sales. I told her it was slow. I came away encouraged by her interest.

When we take the time to politely inquire about someone, we usually find they appreciate being noticed. A dear friend sometimes tells me, “Thank you for noticing us.” This happens when I call her to check on her and her family.

Children of God are called to be encouragers wherever they find themselves.

Prayer: Thank You. Lord for the many things You do to build us up and keep us going. Without your encouraging us, we would not be able to stand for You in this fallen world. Please guide us as we try to encourage those around us. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen

1. Lavish Grace, Kathy Howard New Hope Publishers, Birmingham AL © 2016 page 123.

2. Miriam-Webster Dictionary online. Accessed 9/26/2017

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Washed by the Water of the Word