Trials

I love the Journey:A Woman's Guide to Intimacy with God devotional magazines that our church provides. I was reading today's devotional and it really spoke to me. We have been having problems with staffing at my workplace for quite some time now. We are all having to work long and crazy hours which keeps us away from our families. It seems like there is no end in site, and it's really easy to become discouraged... I have been praying so hard that I would find some peace about the situation. God is awesome in so many ways, and what I am hearing Him tell me is like a song says "I will praise Him in this storm." So telling you that, this was today's entry.

July 9, 2008
Embrace to Endure
No one enjoys trials, but James 1:2 tells us they are inevitable. At various times we all find ourselves in the middle of situations that push us to our limits. Strained relationships, illnesses, financial problems, and job pressures can drain us of our energy, resolve, and joy if we're not careful. But the Apostle Paul claimed to be "pressured in every way but not crushed; ...perplexed but not in despair"(2 Corinthians 4:8). How did Paul endure difficult circumstances without being destroyed by them? Why was he able to come out of the fire with his integrity intact and contentment in his soul?
The secret to enduring trials is actually in embracing them. That's why James has the audacity to tell us to consider it a great joy when experiencing trials. When we embrace a trial as an opportunity for God to do a refining work in our lives, we see it as a blessing instead of a curse. Consequently, we are more prone to cooperate with the work He is trying to do.
If you are in a trial today, ask God to show you how He is using it to refine you. Submit to Him and ask for a large dose of wisdom. Yield not to the trial itself, but to the God who governs every circumstance you face.
Steps of Faith~ Father, You will not waste even the most difficult circumstances in my life. Use every trial I face to develop Your character in me.
Journey can be ordered at www.lifeway.com/magazines

Wow... He has perfect timing. God, help me to see You at work in every situation. Help me to be a witness and an encouragement to my co-workers in this time of trial. Thank you for sending me encouragement through this devotion today. Amen.