Faithful Fridays

There is a lesson that I learned months ago, that has really stuck with me, and it has been very important to me this week.  That lesson is the lesson of being thankful to God in everything that I do, no matter the trial that I am going through.  There definitely have been times in my life the last few months where I could have just yelled, "Why me God?  Why our family?"  Instead of trying to take this attitude, I have been trying to see the good in all situations.  Now do not get me wrong, just because I am looking for the bright side does NOT mean I like the situation or that I am not upset about what was happening.  I have been an emotional mess at times and am very grateful for the family and friends that have helped me pick up the pieces and move forward.

I have learned that even in the darkest hour, there will be something good to come out of it.  We might not know what that good is, it might be years or even after death that we finally get the last piece of the puzzle.  I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.  I know that God tests us and puts us through trials.  I do not think He would give us something that we could not handle.  I also know that temptations do not come from God, but from our own wants and desires and Satan can use those desires to tempt us.  When we push through the temptations and make it through on the other side, we are strengthened.

When we doubt we can make it through, we need to lean on God for our strength.  We should be in the word daily, and having regular conversations with God.

One of the passages in the bible that I love is James 1:2-4

"2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (NASB)

James also goes on to say that we should never doubt God.

James 1:5-8

"5But is any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.  7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (NASB)

James talks about how God does not tempt us.

James 1:13-17

"13Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.  14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.  15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.  16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.  17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." (NASB)

Paul has a similar message to James.

1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." (NASB)

I do not know about you, but for me, I find this whole topic very comforting.  When I made the decision to change how I think about hard times, I found so much more peace.  I am not perfect, and do slip up, and am continuing in this process of giving everything over to God and looking for the good in all.