2 Corinthians 4:17

Here is an excerpt from the April 2011 issue of Homelife. God had especially brought 2 Corinthians 4:17 to my attention a few days ago. Then I found this magazine today. I was reading it while waiting to be pre-admitted for my surgery in March (not knowing that that surgery would begin a chain of events for the next 4 months). I  remembered I saved it for a reason. This is why:

     Since that fateful day in 2006, I've witnessed all of the good that has come of tragedy, and I'm beginning to recognize why it was necessary. The flashing sign INCLEMENT WEATHER. NO UNNECESSARY TRAVEL was not a word of admonition; it was a word of instruction. God was teaching me His wisdom for living the Christian life. I cracked the code: Trials are necessary to accomplish God's higher purposes. This is for my good and His glory.
     Although these days the world appears to be out of control and seems utterly chaotic, know that there is a God with a perfect order to things, a God who does everything out of love to produce something better in us. The pain we experience is the principle consequence of living in a fallen and flawed world. But God's redemptive promise is that, one day, He will remove evil and suffering from this world, after accomplishing a greater, eternal good.
     The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:45 that God causes His sunlight to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Regardless of the climate today or the forecast tomorrow. keep the faith. Muster the strength to pray:
     Dear God, whether or not You choose to change my circumstances, I will trust in You still. And Lord, whether or not You call on me to suffer a little longer, I will worship You even still, for You embodied 'suffering well' for my sake. Either way, Lord, I know that You are in control. Not my will, but Yours be done. In Jesus' name, Amen.
     Perhaps you're currently facing the buffeting tempests of a job loss, a financial crisis, a startling medical diagnosis, or personal tragedy. As believers, we don't have to linger in the dark storms of life, waiting for the ominous shadows to pass. We walk in the assurance of God's redemptive plan because we're covered by the ultimate umbrella of protection: Jesus Christ. Second Corinthians 4:17 reminds us, "For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory."
     Whether you're grieving a natural disaster, mourning our disordered universe, or weeping over misfortunes of your own making, don't allow your current trial to blot out the light. Look toward the Son, and you will find refuge in Christ alone during life's fiercest storms.
Weathering the Storms of Life - Casey Ewen Avenriep (Read her full personal story here.)

Still My God