A Devotional for such a time as this: - from: DeMoss, N. L. (2012). The quiet place: daily devotional readings. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers. ____________________ Sacrifice of Praise And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”—Job 1:21 NO UNDERSTANDING OF GRATITUDE CAN BE complete without realizing something further—what it costs— and how it can both survive and thrive in the midst of pain, loss, and adversity. I think of my longtime colleague Charles Archer whose life was rocked one summer with the staggering news that his wife of thirty-eight years had been afflicted with ALS—Lou Gehrig’s Disease. All too quickly Joann’s strength and capabilities ebbed away from her. She lost her ability to speak, to feed herself, to lift herself into or out of bed. After thirty-one months of deteriorating health and strength, the Lord finally delivered her from the prison her body had become, and took her home to heaven (accompanied by His angels, of course)! Throughout their difficult ordeal, Charles regularly sent out emails, updating friends and coworkers on Joann’s condition. In spite of so little positive news to report, I was struck by the way he often signed his name at the bottom: “Thankfully, Charles.” His confidence in the goodness and wisdom of God—in giving and taking his precious wife—enabled him to bless the Lord and express gratitude when faced with circumstances that could have driven him to bitterness and despair. No, the days don’t always get easier. The nights can drag on until utter exhaustion finally pulls you under for a few hours’ sleep. But those who say no to resentment and yes to gratitude, even in the face of excruciating pain, incomprehensible loss, and ongoing adversity, are the ones who do more than merely survive. They stand against the tide of memories, threats, loss, and sadness, and answer back. With gratitude. What circumstance are you facing where the natural response would be something other than gratitude? What do you know about the heart and ways of God that could enable you to bless Him in the midst of your trial? - via Logos 5 - via Vyrso #devotionalforsuchatimeasthis #christjesus #vineofchristministries #theword #studyscripture #god #biblestudy #bible #jesus #faith
Posted on: Sat, 18 Jan 2014 12:50:12 +0000