TODAYS WORD FOR TODAY What You Learn in Tough Times ...Problems and trials...are good for us... Romans 5:3 TLB The UCB Word for Today - 11 Nov 2013 play stop mute 00:00 Receive by email Email to a friend Print Order printed copies RSS We all want ...the crown of life... the Lord promised (James 1:12 NKJV)-but we dont want the problems and trials that develop strength of character in us (Romans 5:4 NLT). But it cant be done. Heres what you learn in tough times: 1) Enjoyment. Count it all joy when you fall into...trials (James 1:2 NKJV). Its when you pass Gods test that He fills you with His joy. So pull some of the groans out of your prayers and throw in a few hallelujahs. Remember, pain is inevitable-misery is optional! 2) Enlargement. The Psalmist wrote, ...Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress... (Psalms 4:1 KJV). Most of the things we know best, we learned the hard way. Our greatest progress comes from our greatest pain; hence God doesnt save us from it, but strengthens us in it. 3) Enlightenment. The Bible says, Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness... (Psalms 112:4 NKJV). We dont realise how little we know until we walk through lifes dark places and God turns on the light. 4) Endurance. James writes, ...See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm... (James 5:7-8 NIV). You cant shorten the seasons or hurry the harvest, so be patient. And pay attention. While youre waiting, God is working. Bruce Wilkinson says, Tests of faith are trials and hardships that invite you to surrender something of great value to God, even when you have every right not to. Rom 1:1 - 3:20, Jn 9:24-41, Ps 99, Prov 29:11-14 TODAYS PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE MISSIONAL LIVING Give thanks that God chooses to use us in His mission. Pray for Christian young people, that they will be passionate disciples and witnesses for Jesus; for protection from the pressures of their culture and the strategies of the enemy. Pray that they will be good role models, and will live a life worthy of the Gospel they proclaim. Pray for much fruit from the HOPE Revolution Mission Academies being launched for 2014. About Prayer for Today Could you do any volunteering in your community to help those in difficult circumstances © 2013: This devotional is produced by UCB, free of charge through the generosity of our supporters. As a gift to the body of Christ, permission is given to Churches and Christian organisations to copy up to a maximum of 52 daily excerpts per year. Excerpts must acknowledge The Word for Today as the source, give the UCB address and inform that free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland. The Word For Today is written by Bob and Debby Gass, with Ruth Gass Halliday. For more information about the terms of use, contact [email protected]
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 21:17:00 +0000
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