July 19, 2020

Bob Maas
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, a whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
James 1:2-4
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
1 Peter 4:12-13

When something breaks down or goes wrong, I sometimes have thoughts of blame. Even when I don’t have all the facts, my mind engages in negative reasoning, imagining worst case scenarios. In those situations, I need the Lord to help me realize that no matter what is happening, He is with me. My awareness of His presence enables me to put everything in proper perspective and experience His peace and joy. The calming effect of knowing He will make every situation work for a positive outcome is immeasurably valuable. What, just moments before, seemed like a calamity of huge proportions miraculously becomes a simple ordinary event. I am supremely grateful that the fellowship I have with the Lord grows increasingly more delightful in every adversity.