All Things

In 1998 I was introduced to Christ and began a journey that would set my heart ablaze for God. I became obsessed with the idea of learning this new subject that would soon land me in the arms of my favorite man on the planet. I remember when we first met and how much I would fret over the slightest thing and there you were reminding me that everything will work out for our good. You taught me everything I needed to know about God and the person and the work of the Holy Spirit. With this new found love for you and for God I embarked upon an amazing journey of learning His word. We went through so many seasons in our lives, this was us, we got married had children I let go of my Military career and joined you on a journey to plant a church in Okinawa Japan. Each time oppression or resistance came you would always say, it will work out. Now 17 years later I have not one regret!! Every situation that we faced had a purpose. God would not allow us to feel slighted. I can remember so many nights I cried because something did not go as I thought it should. Then I read Gods word which says, “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.” Romans 8:28. I know from experience that struggle will come to our lives but the key is knowing our pain has a purpose. The things we go through and the details we face, we must understand the affliction is our greatest instructor. Embracing this and understanding that we are hard pressed but not destroyed will help us to grow. When trials come to our lives our perspective can be that God wants to teach us.  I am so thankful we serve a God that doesn’t want to put us through meaningless pain.  All that He does has a purpose.  I have learned that some things we go through are simply opportunities to reveal His power and splendor.  God is so majestic that He can take 1 situation I am struggling with and use it to touch thousands of others without me knowing. Psalm 119:71 says “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Statues in the Hebrews dictionary translates into so many different things. For one the basic definition of laws or authority. The next definition is timing or appointed time.  This translation speaks loudly to the fact that when we are experiencing trials, we must acknowledge time. Trouble takes time. Trouble allows us to learn and time to process our feelings and process the environment. This is why the word says in James 1:4 to Let patience have her perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire wanting nothing. Perfect means in the Greek means growth in mental and moral character, also mature, entire simply means sound in body. So God wants us to be mature in our mental disposition of our trials. The key is to trust that it may look as though we are loosing but the truth is in the time.  Every situation, conflict, crying baby, family taking extended time to get ready, husband going on deployment, getting changed in your job, everything is working out for your good.  So sit back and enjoy blessings that God has for you!! This is the hour of Mental toughness!! Be encouraged friends, the next Chapter will be worth it!!