i remember Grace sending me this email about her doing her QT and what she realised some time ago and i thought it was really meaningful so i'll just put it here.
the bible tells us to respond to different cicumstances in a way that is directly opposed to our natural tendency...one of the most challenging of those commands is this: "count it all joy when you fall into trials"(James 1:2)
this outlook would seem absud and unattainable if not for the reason behind it, "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience"(v3)...an attitude of joy is not based on what we feel but on what we know of God and his works in our lives..therefore, a painful process that yields a desired goal can be welcomed as a friend... it's not the testing of our strength but the trying of our faith in almighty God that develops our endurance..
through it all, the lord promises wisdom for today and a crown of life for those who persevere..
a quotation: joy in trials comes from knowing that the outcome will be good..
further reading: James 1:1-12
sometimes i find it really hard to be joyful when things don't go my way. i guess we have to remember that we can't always have things OUR way and that we should do things according to the LORD's way. which is why when we do things that make us happy, it may not neccessarily make God happy, so we should put our trust and our lives in God's hands and live life HIS way, even though we may not understand or see the bigger picture and vision He has for our lives. i'm glad that i'm learning to give my life to Him and it really is such a great feeling to talk to Him and give Him everything.
i really pray that the Lord will give me that perseverence to go through the trials that may be present or presented to me in my life and to do so with joy in my heart, knowing that He will be there watching over me and that in everything, He has a plan for me.
christine danced till dawn at 9:10 AM
