OUR TROUBLES ARE ACCOMPLISHING SOMETHING

I hear them sing it on IHOP all the time:

Our light and momentary afflictions are working for us an eternal weight of glory.

This morning in the shower, scriptures poured over me like water.

Our troubles are achieving something. These troubles are not just getting in the way of where I'm headed. I'm getting something from these troubles.

Truly our troubles are perplexing. We can begin to wonder where God is during it all...and if he is really faithful to his word?

In the Psalms, David, when considering these things said, I will not concern myself with matters too wonderful for me:

My heart is not proud, O Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I don not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and forever more. (Ps 131)

Interestingly, Ps 132 begins with:
O Lord, remember David and all the troubles he endured.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me...too lofty for me to attain. (Ps 139)


A NIGHT & A DAY IN THE SEA
I've been contemplating the scriptures that talk about Paul being in the sea for a day and a half. Interestingly, TBS was showing Cast Away (with Tom Hanks). One scene showed him mounting up high with huge, 10-story-high waves. The camera zoomed out. Nothing. No one. Paul spent a night and a day in the sea. Tom Hanks had a raft (and a paddle)... Can you imagine: totally dark, wet, floating, tossed about by the waves, can't see—

Some have suggested that unless we have opened a door to the enemy, these types of hardships won't happen.

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world."

God said, "Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you."

So, in conclusion, I see Paul, wet and floating in a dark sea with Jesus.


Where can I flee from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.


We are hard pressed...but not crushed.
We are perplexed...but not in despair because, we're not abandoned.

I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak....

Two things I have heard God say very clearly to me:
My ability to provide for you is greater than his ability to steal.
My ability to heal you is greater than his ability to hurt you.

One thing you have spoken, two things I have heard:
That you O God are strong and you O Lord are loving.

I said, God I know that you are able.
I just could use some reassurance that you are willing.

(Immediately, in my thoughts, I saw Jesus on the cross).

I said, "OK Lord. I hear you." You didn't even spare your Son for me....but gave him up freely for me.

WE'RE GETTING SOMETHING FROM OUR TROUBLES.
"IT'S GONNA BE WORTH IT....."