What is it in us that makes us yearn for an easier life? One without hardship or trial, pain or tears?
Is it our God-given instinct that knows this place is not the way it is supposed to be? That thing inside us that longs to return to the Garden? The eternity in our hearts that knows this place is not our home?
Or is it our pride that has us in a fuss? A selfishness that thinks we deserve better than this? Better than the next guy? The world telling us that we can have it all?
Do we see the sin that causes this world to be broken? We easily point to the sin of others that results in our pain. But do we see the sin within ourselves? Do we see the pain we bring?
Do we daily see our need for grace? Our daily need for Jesus?
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. -John 16:33
Do we believe His word when He says we will have trouble, yet in Him we may still have peace?
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. -Matthew 10:22
Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. -Luke 6:22
Are we so much like the world that we embrace it and are embraced by it? Or do we look so much like Jesus that we are despised by the world?
Are we in the camp of the Enemy? Or are we a soldier of the cross?
Am I a Soldier of the Cross?
– Isaac WattsAm I a soldier of the cross
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause
Or blush to speak His name?Must I be carried to the skies
On flowering beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize
And sailed through bloody seas?Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?Sure I must fight if I would reign:
Increase my courage, Lord;
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word. Amen.
I give thanks for:
483. a hymn to strengthen a soldier
484. a voice to sing
485. a quiet Sunday to ponder
486. earnest prayer
487. steadfastness
488. trials that cause us to seek God moment by moment by moment
489. no moment in time is outside the sovereignty of His will
490. no decision can be outside His power to redeem it
491. His unwavering love
492. fellow soldiers interceding
493. mercies that are new every morning
494. new opportunities to learn
495. trusting in Him
496. growing
497. pain worth enduring
498. a God worthy of our worship
499. King of kings and Lord of lords
::
500. seeing a smidgen of an icebow
501. husband coming home for lunch
502. pup seeing a “face” in styrofoam wrap and growling at it – he’s so brave!
503. husband painting my childhood desk and hutch for my daughter
504. decorating for fall
505. hopping in the car to capture the evening sky
506. discovering a picturesque spot nearby
In hope,
Shelli
This post is linked at with the Gratitude Community at Holy Experience as I share my list of One Thousand Gifts.
About Shelli Bourque