Just came back from Common Ground (young professional’s group) last night encouraged by the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection.
Verse 4 is especially encouraging, “…[Jesus] said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
I know I’m not Lazarus, and I’m not sick, but we all have various struggles in this life that we face. And it’s just a great reminder that what we go through is for God’s glory.
And there are a few more things that come to mind to…
1 Peter 1:6-7 Trials grieve us for a little while, so that our faith will bring praise and glory to God ‘at the revelation of Jesus Christ’. Pretty neat.
Romans 5:1-5 Tribulations develop endurance –> character –> hope. And this hope will not let us down because it is certain! And we have that guarantee of what is to come because of the Holy Spirit’s love that is poured out in our hearts.
2 Corinthians 1:4 – God, the God of all comfort, comforts us in our trouble, so that we can comfort our friends who are in ANY trouble. It doesn’t even have to be the same as ours!
Ok, so my “trouble” is not really a trouble at all! It just feels like it every once in a while when I get my eyes on myself. Yes, singleness and marriage are both gifts which can be used to glorify God. =)
I love the verses in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31…the time that remains is short, and Paul urges the believers not to focus on this life because the world is passing away.
and verse 34….”…a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband.”(NLT)
verse 38…”so the person who marries does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better.” Hmmm…not sure if I like that one, but I’m trying to believe it! Lord I believe, help my unbelief…lol =)
So anyway, I am just trusting God to use this time while I am single for His purposes and glory, for making disciples in the ends of the earth. And maybe one day God will change my ministry…until then I rejoice in the path He has laid out for me, in God’s care and goodness.
Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.” (NLT) vs 17 “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (NKJV)
I read this over and I feel like a few transitional sentences are missing, but hopefully you can fill some in! =)
Leave a Reply