Wet socks. That’s the reason I cried.
I’d been backpacking for three days in the rain on an adventure course, and was awakened while it was still dark to put on yesterday’s cold, wet clothes. I couldn’t help but cry from the misery of my present circumstances. Even worse, I didn’t know when our trip would end or when the rain would stop.
No matter what difficult circumstances we’re facing or how unordinary and just plain boring our lives may seem, we can rejoice knowing these are only temporary situations. Heaven has no pain or boredom, and our earthly lives are but a speck in the scheme of eternity.
Perhaps an even greater comfort than knowing our troubles are temporary is knowing we can benefit from them. God uses every trial—no matter how seemingly insignificant or mundane—to produce for us a greater eternal glory.
God uses our hard times to sanctify us. That means the Spirit of God is working in us to make us more like Jesus Christ. We should greatly rejoice that the power of God Himself is at work within the depths of our soul, creating meaningful beauty from our ugly ashes.
With this great knowledge, we can place our attention on the unseen. Instead of focusing on our financial troubles, we can focus on the trust in God they are producing in us. With our difficult co-workers and classmates, we can focus on the patience and forgiveness we are learning.
Each suffering and every difficulty is creating an even greater unseen work within us. Look beyond your circumstances, and find contentment in Christ. He holds eternity in His hands.
Let’s take our gaze off our circumstances, and stay fixed on the One who can create purpose from our pain.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Very insightful and encouraging devotion, Jori! It''s a great reminder on not letting ourselves get bogged down by the cares or the world or, conversely, becoming too attached to earthly treasures. Thanks for sharing.