Tribulations = Peace?

Taking moments to reflect on trials and tribulations offers peace to the soul.  I know that sounds insane but give me a moment to explain…

A year ago a very tough decision was put before me; a decision that was being based up a great deal of trial, tribulations and suffering.  There was a great deal of agony in making sure I was doing what God wanted me to do and not what I wanted.  There were times I simply wanted to run and be done.  I did not want to deal with the pain that I was living within each and every day.  Other days I wanted to stay and continue doing the work that I was doing; I loved what I did.  Needless to say, I was torn!    

Now that a year has gone by after the decision was made spending time reflecting on all the things that transpired eases the suffering that took place.  I can see where the Lord guided me, carried me, held me, and was my Savior through it all.  I cannot say I enjoyed any piece of what I went through but I can say I grew through the situation.  Romans 5:3 notes we should rejoice in our sufferings because suffering produces endurance.  I gained endurance as God gave me the strength to stand up for what was right and withstand the nasty stuff being thrown at me.  The endurance and strength came through scripture. The Lord would reveal the bible passages I needed to see each and every time I opened the bible.  His Words and His Promises would “jump” off the pages.   

I can honestly say I didn’t rejoice in my sufferings at the time.  However, looking back I can rejoice because I grew closer to the Lord and saw Him working throughout the situation.  I still miss doing the work that I did; yet, I know the decision made was what God had in store for me.  Thankfully, he made that abundantly clear when he revealed Psalm 118:3 the day I resigned – “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; The Lord answered me and set me free”.  God was gracious to relieve any doubt I had over the decision being made.   

Trials and tribulations will be present until Jesus returns because we are sinful human beings.  Spend time in scripture as the Lord will reveal to you His plans, His promises, and His peace!  Yes, there are thousands and thousands of verses AND God will guide you to the ones you need to see!  Spend some time reflecting on how God was present in the trials and tribulations you have experienced.  There is great peace in seeing Jesus at work in your life!

Cheryl