What comes to mind when we think of Blessings? It's usually not hardships that we think of. Many times, when hard times come, our natural reaction is "Why me?" Through my last couple of shunt surgeries, I have changesd my thinking... "Why not me?" and "What do You want to come out of this? What do you want me to learn?"
Romans 8:28, ESV
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Ephesians 1:9-10 ESV
making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
It may not be apparent to us at the time what the purpose of our struggle is, because it might not be for us. Our response to the struggle might be what someone else needs to learn something about God, or maybe, it takes God holding us in hardships for us to know that He is there. I have experienced both. In Ephesians 1, we see that the mystery of His will doesn't necessarily have to do with our own hardships, but salvation. We were not saved just for our benefit, but for God's glory. How is His glory accomplished? In blessing those who have been redeemed, others see, fulfilling His purpose as a plan to bring all to Him.
One might ask "how does hardship fall under this?" I have had a number of people ask me about the hope that I have, after each of these surgeries. 1 Peter 3:15 says "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." My hope with each illness, each surgery has been in Christ. God knew my shunt was going to fail. He knew WHEN it would fail. He knew who I would come into contact with because of it.
Laura Story's song "Blessings" talks about how we pray for blessings, mercy, and prosperity. What if the blessings come through raindrops, and healing comes through tears. What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near?" This song really spoke to me when I was going through the hardest times. I highly recommend listening to the whole song.
Since learning to depend on God for what I need. He has provided ways for me to generate income without having to worry about losing another job, and to connect with other people.
One might ask "how does hardship fall under this?" I have had a number of people ask me about the hope that I have, after each of these surgeries. 1 Peter 3:15 says "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." My hope with each illness, each surgery has been in Christ. God knew my shunt was going to fail. He knew WHEN it would fail. He knew who I would come into contact with because of it.
Laura Story's song "Blessings" talks about how we pray for blessings, mercy, and prosperity. What if the blessings come through raindrops, and healing comes through tears. What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near?" This song really spoke to me when I was going through the hardest times. I highly recommend listening to the whole song.
Since learning to depend on God for what I need. He has provided ways for me to generate income without having to worry about losing another job, and to connect with other people.
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