MORNING MANNA         9/24/20

It seems that I can’t get through a day without thinking about this verse, nor a week without quoting it. But, that’s okay. I need to be reminded that this is something we all have in common. I say that because we tend to feel like our problem is greater than anyone else’s. We are so consumed with self interest that we feel that we are all alone and that nobody knows what we’re going through. And we want out of the situation ASAP.

I read about one woman who asked her pastor, “When am I going to get out of these troubles?” The wise man of God replied, “You should be asking ‘What am I going to get out of these troubles?’ ” If we all had that perspective we would be much better off. Were we wise our trials would make us better rather than bitter. Suffering is a great teacher. It gets our attention like nothing else. It makes us aware of our ignorance and weakness, and drives us to search for help.

Those who turn to God’s word for counsel come to realize that some of our greatest blessings come as a result of some of our most grievous burdens. Although our hardship hurts it also helps. The pain becomes profitable, the suffering brings success, and the trials lead to triumph.

Knowing this enables us to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (Ja. 1:2). That’s why so many of us cling to Romans 8:28 “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.” But quoting that verse is one thing and believing it is another. It is only through trusting God that we discover His grace to be sufficient for every need. Do that and you can rest assured that your burdens will make you better rather than bitter. – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346