I believe the older I get the more I value and place priority and do my best to spend time with people (family, friends ) and this may seem strange but look for the opportunity to be kind to a strange by giving a simple smile or short word of encouragement. Those of you who know me personally, can probably recall memories, joys and struggles that through these experiences have encountered in my life. A small story I am reminded of this time of year that I will always remember that my Dad has shared with me many times has made a impact on the importance of thankfulness. So I will attempt to tell the story and it goes something like this.
In 1977 my parents got the good news as a young married couple that they were expecting their first child. The joy they had they shared shared with family and friend was so exciting and shortly after that the doctor told them twin boys were due to arrive in the summer. As the months pasted the excitement grew as well. On the day of delivery they lost one their sons and left me with cerebral palsy from a stroke I suffered at birth. My parents questioned themselves and their faith in God....as they said, "We were so full of joy and sadness at the same time.
My Dad had a conversation with my Grandaddy, as he struggled with understanding why things in life seem so unfair and why does tragedy and joy occur at the same time. "Dad, "Why did Kirk have to have a stroke at birth and start his life behind the eight ball?" My Grandaddy was a kind man yet a man of few words. He simply responded, "Bobby I don't think we will ever completely understand but that is why we have faith and I do know Kirk, will be a better man because of his circumstances."
How this holds true for all of us if we take the time to recognize that our struggles are temporary so" know the things we see are temporary, yet the things we do not see are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) Paul simply puts it, "I have learned to be content in all things whether I have or I don't have." Will you be willing to have faith that you will break through the struggle and overcome? Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and his love endures forever. Are you ready to walk in the" joy of the Lord" through the darkness? God's promise is "I will be with you always" "I will never leave you or forsake you."
Yes my story is God's story...I give thanks for the struggles and pain! I am an example that Satan has looked me in the eyes and did all he could to break my spirit and allow me to life in mediocrity and defeat. The good news today is I am victorious in Christ Jesus and Satan has no place or power over me and I walk in the power of God. Scripture tell us "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strenght." Phil 4:13 God doesn't give us a spirit of fear but of love and a sound mind." "We overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony." Rev. 12:11 I am reminded of the oldie "I fought the law and the law won" "I fought the Devil and the Lord won."
So I encourage my readers to have faith in the one true God creator of all things! In all things keep your eyes on the goal of a life God has given you with purpose and meaning. Don't sink in your hardship but push with perserverence and seek the "Light of the World."
Blessing to all during this Thanksgiving season and may God keep you in his grace and may you be sensitive to God being your provider and sustainer in this journey we call life. Walk in victory and confidence giving thanks with each new day!
In 1977 my parents got the good news as a young married couple that they were expecting their first child. The joy they had they shared shared with family and friend was so exciting and shortly after that the doctor told them twin boys were due to arrive in the summer. As the months pasted the excitement grew as well. On the day of delivery they lost one their sons and left me with cerebral palsy from a stroke I suffered at birth. My parents questioned themselves and their faith in God....as they said, "We were so full of joy and sadness at the same time.
My Dad had a conversation with my Grandaddy, as he struggled with understanding why things in life seem so unfair and why does tragedy and joy occur at the same time. "Dad, "Why did Kirk have to have a stroke at birth and start his life behind the eight ball?" My Grandaddy was a kind man yet a man of few words. He simply responded, "Bobby I don't think we will ever completely understand but that is why we have faith and I do know Kirk, will be a better man because of his circumstances."
How this holds true for all of us if we take the time to recognize that our struggles are temporary so" know the things we see are temporary, yet the things we do not see are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) Paul simply puts it, "I have learned to be content in all things whether I have or I don't have." Will you be willing to have faith that you will break through the struggle and overcome? Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and his love endures forever. Are you ready to walk in the" joy of the Lord" through the darkness? God's promise is "I will be with you always" "I will never leave you or forsake you."
Yes my story is God's story...I give thanks for the struggles and pain! I am an example that Satan has looked me in the eyes and did all he could to break my spirit and allow me to life in mediocrity and defeat. The good news today is I am victorious in Christ Jesus and Satan has no place or power over me and I walk in the power of God. Scripture tell us "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strenght." Phil 4:13 God doesn't give us a spirit of fear but of love and a sound mind." "We overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony." Rev. 12:11 I am reminded of the oldie "I fought the law and the law won" "I fought the Devil and the Lord won."
So I encourage my readers to have faith in the one true God creator of all things! In all things keep your eyes on the goal of a life God has given you with purpose and meaning. Don't sink in your hardship but push with perserverence and seek the "Light of the World."
Blessing to all during this Thanksgiving season and may God keep you in his grace and may you be sensitive to God being your provider and sustainer in this journey we call life. Walk in victory and confidence giving thanks with each new day!
No comments:
Post a Comment