Tuesday, August 05, 2008

FINDING JOY

"The things we try to avoid and fight against - tribulation, suffering and persecution - are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. Huge waves that would frighten the ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them. "We are more than conquerors through Him" IN all these things - not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn't know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Paul said "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation". Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Rom 8:37, 2 Cor 7:4)

How hard is for you sometimes to thank God for an affliction or trial? I know sometimes it is hard for me. I sometimes question His purpose but then He reminds me "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 The joy we have when we remind ourselves, we are children of the Almighty, He is our Father and He is with us every moment of every day and every trial and tribulation. The joy we have in that should put a smile on our face and joy in all we do and say. Have you thanked God today?

Thank you Lord!

Cristina

8 comments:

Maxine said...

In everything give thanks. I hope and pray He'll help each of us to do that, even during the hard times. Just came over to say hello.

Baptist Girl said...

Hi Maxine,
Good to see you, and yes in everything give thanks.

(Psa 69:30 NKJV) "I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving."


Cristina

Baptist Girl said...

Hi Maxine,
Good to see you, and yes in everything give thanks.

(Psa 69:30 NKJV) "I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving."


Cristina

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Great post! You know He has promised us blessings as we go through the sanctification process. I am happy beyond words to report that I am beginning...just beginning to reap the benefits of all the trials that God has brought me through. Not that I had never seen any benefits for He is always merciful to give us benefits, but I feel I have gone forward with a giant leap. I feel free in this certain area and it's all because of Him. It is a thrill to see His work and to see His fruit in one's life! All glory belongs to Him for any good which comes from us.

Baptist Girl said...

Sarah,
I am so happy to hear that you are in that special place in Him.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:11-13

I believe as we are more obedient in our walk, more closer to our Lord,
..we are more content in our lives. I do nto consider this a work...I consider it is the fruit of the spirit within us, the Holy Spirit working.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. (27) "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Love Cristina

Anonymous said...

Amen, Cristina!

Anonymous said...

Over the years I have noticed that my non-christian friends and family members would ask me this when they were in a crisis...."If God is so good......why is this happening to me"?

They are asking me the wrong question. The question should be.......how on earth can a holy and righteous God know what I did, and I thought, and I said yesterday, and not kill me in my sleep last night?

Until you ask the question that way, you don't understand the issue! We all deserve the wrath of God!

And "we" believer's say.....grace, grace, grace, grace.....grace!!!!!