It's been a rough week. Our campus is still dealing with a death, and yesterday one of my freshman students ended up in the ICU for blood clots in his lungs--a life threatening situation.
What's the point of these trials? Sometimes it's hard not to be angry about situations.
Which makes me very grateful (again) for Romans 5:
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
I love the two paths to hope. In the first, we crack the door with faith, which leads to an avalanche of grace, which is accompanied by peace and rejoicing in the true source of our hope--God's glory. In the second, God reinforces that hope through trials. It's like building a pyramid; suffering sits on the bottom, on which is layered perseverance, followed by character, then hope, a hope which does not disappoint since it's focused on God and the Holy Spirit.
So this week I'm thankful that trials are not in vain, that God uses them to pour out his love on us.
I'm thankful that God gives us faith and grace, and layers upon that peace, joy and hope.
I'm thankful for peace that surpasses our situations.
I'm thankful that hope does not disappoint, because it's in the glory of God, not ourselves.
I'm thankful that God pours out his love through the Holy Spirit.
Wanna share your thankfulness? Visit Iris today!
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6 comments:
This was a lovely post, bless you.
It truly is a blessing to find the hope, the gratitude in trying situations...
Great post and many prayers.
Thanks for that post, Ann--it really touched my heart and reminded me of the basic truths of Jesus' plan. I actually had tears! - Kelsey
I'm sorry for the pain you are experiencing! I'm thankful that God can ease it and carry us through it. That He understands the pain we suffer and knows the cries of our hearts!
God is love! God's love never ends! God's love heals all and is in all things.
In His amazing grace,
Jill
Oh how sorry I am for the trials. In those so young... How awesome you can see God in it all and His comfort! Blessings.
God be with you and everyone involved in that young student's life.
Trials are never in vain. And hope NEVER disappoints. It takes great faith in GOD to know and feel and live this.
Your gratitude shows!
Happy Thankful Thursday!
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