Saturday, September 8, 2012

Taking the Hard Road



I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  (Romans 8:18).

I just spoke with the wife of a friend who had a freak accident this week.  In the midst of simple lawn work, my friend fell and fractured a vertebrae in his back.  Though the doctors believe he will have a "full" recovery, right now, he is in an exceptional amount of pain and few pain relievers are working for him.  He knows in the midst of this challenging time that he is not alone--God has not left him.  He also knows that God was not "caught off guard" by this situation.  Even with this faith, he is going through an extremely tough time emotionally (and physically) right now.

Through this, I am reminded that God is continuing to work in the tough and the uncomfortable.  And, when I really think about it--the times that God has truly shaped me and shown me the full extent of His awesome love for me have been times that were absolutely touch and uncomfortable. 

I am not one that generally prays for these tough times.  More than likely, my prayers are more in line with "get me out" or "remove these tough situations" during these times.  By God's amazing grace, we can approach these tough knowing that He is working something beautiful out of the times that just shake us to our core.  In these times, I encourage you to look beyond the immediacy of the situation you are in, and seek to trust the one who orchestrated every moment of your life before you even showed up.   

May you enjoy His Peace,

Dave