As I was reading my Bible and devotional this morning the Lord really spoke to me. I found what I read to be enlightening and encouraging. I thought that I would share bits of what I read. I do want to add though, except for the scriptures this isn't word for word. It is another's idea rearranged by me.(I took waaaaay to many composition and literature classes in college, and the fear of receiveing and F for plagiarism due to improper documentation of my sources still haunts me to this day.)
There is a good reason God calls his people sheep. Sometimes they wander away fromthe paths he has mapped out for them.
A good shepherd will relentlessly search for a wayward sheep. Sometimes, if the sheep refuses to follow his master, the shepherd will take drastic action. He breaks the sheep's leg, places it upon his shoulders and carries the sheep until it learns total dependence. This is tough love-the shepherd breaks the sheep to make sure the sheep always follows the shepherd.
We may think that a God of love would never allow his children to feel any pain. But sometimes God breaks us to make us better. He may break our hearts so we will make room for him there. He may break our will so we can discover his will for us. He may break our physical strength so we discover that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.
"Consider is pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so thaty you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault."
--James 1:2-5
"Dear friends, so not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you perticipate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
--1 Peter 4:12-13
Do not allow yourself to become bitter and turn away from God for breaking you. Instead, use that opportunity to develop a full reliance on him and complete trust in his plan for your life.
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8 comments:
Thanks for posting this, Jess. I needed to hear that today. I had a "broken" day yesterday, and needed to be reminded that God is working on me! Praise Him for that, I need all the work he can do!
wow, that's pretty good. i know you understand what i mean when i say that i feel like i have had all four of my legs broken this year. that's quite a new perspective on all that has happened, and i pray that i will be wise enough to learn total dependence on God as i limp into the new year. thanks jessica...
krystal
baaaa
Amen Jess!
He never said it'd be easy.
Thanks Jessica. This is just what I needed to hear today.
Love you,
Cyndee
Thanks for this Jess. I needed to remind myself of this. I have forgotten that we are to "consider it joy" when we face trials.
Love ya!
Thank you, Jessica, for posting this. I definitely needed this today.
Hugs,
Amanda
Hmmmmm I'm having a very hard time with this concept but thank you! This gives me something to really think and pray about. I wish this was something easy to accept.
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