“And the God of all grace, who called you
to his eternal glory in Christ
after you have suffered a little while,
will himself restore you and make
you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter
5:10 (NIV)
When we ask Jesus into our hearts, and we are faithful to
Him, He assures us of a place in heaven with Him. When we have times of illness
or trial, we have to realize that theses times only last a little while in the
light of eternity. I have two friends who are facing uncertainties related to
their health. One of them has been dealing with complications from a surgery
she had last July. The other one has a consultation appointment this Friday
afternoon. Something suspicious showed on her annual x-ray. This is important
that she get this seen about because her mother succumbed to this disease.
After God helps us surpass the time of distress, He brings
us back and makes us stronger in our walk with Him. We have to trust Him for
the outcome and believe that He will protect us and give us the strength to go
through these times.
During these times of stress and distress, how do we look at
the people involved? Do we look at what they were previous to this incident or
what they are right then? I am presently reading a book that presents the idea
that, instead of looking at what people have been or are, we look at what
people can become. This is something to think about. A lot of adults walk
around defeated because of what they heard people say to them in times of
anger.
God can see what will become of each of us and each of those
who cause us stress. We would do well to pray for the ability to see with God’s
eyes, rather than our own. I wonder what the outcome for the church would be if
we prayed for His eyes to see ourselves. What would be the state of our cities
and towns, our nation?
graphic:dailydoseofgods word.wordpress.com
graphic:dailydoseofgods word.wordpress.com
This reminds me of the current contemporary song by Matthew West, "Hello My Name Is".... which talks about the fact that we often believe the lies we have heard and that we tell ourselves rather than believing that "My name is Child of the One True King". Thank you for this timely reminder today. This was great.
ReplyDeletePam: Thank you for your visit to my blog. I was unfamiliar with that contemporary song. I listened to it and liked the message. I shared it with the pastor and his assistant. Have a peaceful and restful weekend. You are in my prayers.
DeleteI often think about that Cecelia, what would happen if we were able to look through His eyes? We would certainly look different at people and circumstances. Thank you for your post.
ReplyDeleteMarja: Thank you for visiting my blog. You have a very interesting thought. I, also, have wondered that. I believe it would set the world on it's ear. Isn't that what Jesus did to the world when He came?
DeleteFunny thing. Just ran into 3 verses this morning that used the word "restore." I think He's speaking to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Rhonda: God works like that, doesn't He? That's one way He speaks to me.
DeleteHi Cecelia! I really like that idea of seeing people as what they can be, not necessarily as they are. That's how God looks at us, as I think Marja was referring to. I would love to see as God sees. May that be my every prayer.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Ceil
Ceil: Marja's thought has been my thought for sometime. We need to look at people with the eyes of God and look past the human parts and look at the spiritual.
DeleteAn encouraging reminder, Connie. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been on this site for a while, since February. Hope you are well!
Blessings,
Sandi
Sandi; Thank you for visiting my blog. I have finished physical therapy on my shoulder and don't have to see the ortho doctor unless I need to.
DeleteI am so sorry I wrote "Connie!" i don't know why I did that!!!
ReplyDelete;-) my face is red
Sandi: Don't worry about it. It happens. At church, in the beginning of the service we have a time of greeting one another. Sometimes, I see people that I have greeted once or twice and I have to apologize and ask their names again. They understand and I understand.
Delete