It's Thankful Thursday and Iris of Grace Alone is hosting us for the month of November. My friend Iris is the originator of this meme which I've grown to love. Knowing that I'll participate each week, I'm on the lookout for all I can be thankful for each day. Thank you Iris!
However, Iris chose the theme of trials for this week. Can I really be thankful in the midst of trials?
Well, this is exactly what the Lord is teaching me during this season of trials in my life. So, I can personally answer with ...a resounding YES.
What am I thankful for in the midst of my trials?
I'm thankful that:
Instead of only focusing only on getting out of my trials, I'm learning to focus on trusting the Lord in the midst of them.
I learn valuable lessons if I choose to rest in Him.
Each trial has a purpose to grow me up.
I have the opportunity to glorify God.
My faith is growing.
I have the opportunity to share with non believers the reason I have hope and faith despite life not always being easy.
I have become more empathetic with others who are going through trials.
I'm drawing closer to the Lord.
I'm learning to live a lifestyle of prayer.
I'm learning to not attempt to escape my trials through things in this world.
"I see you when you are in the garden of grief, My princess. I hear your cry for help in the dark hours of the night. I Myself cried out in the garden the night I was betrayed. In My suffering I asked My Father for another way - a less painful way. Yet I trusted his will and purpose for My life and knew the ultimate victory was at the cross. Just as olives must be crushed to make oil, I poured out My life as a love offering for you. Don't ever doubt that I am with youand that I long to take you to a place of comfort, peace, and victory. Even when you cannot see me from where you are, I am working on your behalf. Give to Me the crushing weight of your circumstances, and come to Me in prayer. When it is time to leave the garden, I will walk with you across the valley and straight to the cross - where your trials will be transformed into triumph."
Love,
Your Savior and your Victor
How can I not be thankful in trials after reading that?
It's Thankful Thursday and Iris of Grace Alone is hosting us for the month of November. My friend Iris is the originator of this meme which I've grown to love. Knowing that I'll participate each week, I'm on the lookout for all I can be thankful for each day. Thank you Iris!
However, Iris chose the theme of trials for this week. Can I really be thankful in the midst of trials?
Well, this is exactly what the Lord is teaching me during this season of trials in my life. So, I can personally answer with ...a resounding YES.
I'm thankful that:
I will close with a letter from Sheri Rose Shepherd's book His Princess: Love Letters from your King. It's entitled "My Princess ...triumph through trials":
How can I not be thankful in trials after reading that?