Jeremiah 17:7-8
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
So far in my years, I have found that pain and growth go hand in hand. The Lord has allowed some pain in my life, but it has been fruitful. At times the difficulties in life have weighed on me like a mountainous load. Yet, I know for certain that these are mild in comparison with the load of suffering that Christ has taken in my place and for my place. How grateful and thankful I am. I never look back on pain or hardships with malice. I look back with a strange gratitude and privilege to bear them. For I have learned that to be in suffering means to identify with Jesus. What a blessing to take part. I have also learned that the process of pain is what strengthens. Why I would ever wish it away when the end result is beauty?...that can often be my mistake in the meantime. However, the center of the hardship can sometimes feel too much to carry. So, when those thoughts are flooding my heart and mind, I need to find myself seated on the shoulders of the One who made me. And watch the storm come in from there. He will help me ride out the waves. Then, my roots will grow deeper, my trunk will be stronger and the fruit on my branches will be abundant.
"Faith is a strong power, mastering any difficulty in the strength of the Lord who made heaven and earth." -Corrie Ten Boom
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