The Highest Joys

In the Lord's kindness He has helped me not focus as much on my trials this week but opened my eyes more to the trials others are going through both major and minor.

I have been convicted by some of the responses people have had going through trials. Some are going through difficult times and yet, they are more focused on the Savior then they are on their situation and when they talk they aren't mentioning their trial, they are mentioning God's goodness, faithfulness and are trusting in Him, even though they don't see an end in sight, even though they don't know when their trial will end. Lord, help me to be more like them when I am going through trials. Help me to be more focused on you than on my trial.

As I was reading from Spurgeon tonight I thought of some friends that are going through a difficult time. If you are reading, I pray this encourages you...

Believe that the deepest afflictions are always neighbors to the highest joys. The greatest possible privileges lie close to the darkest trials. The more bitter your sorrow, the louder your song at the end. There is a reason, and that reason faith may discover and experience may live on. Our afflictions are the highway that leads us closer to God. Our troubles are a fiery chariot to bring us to God. Our afflictions, wave upon wave, will drive our souls nearer to heaven.

There is a strength promised for you, for "as your days, so shall your strength be" (Deut. 33:25). You must not excuse yourself from the battle because you are weak, for the Lord strengthens the feeble. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. You cannot serve Him in your strength. You can only serve Him in the strength He gives as you need it. Listen, you who profess to be in Christ, you who love Him, you who have a work to do. God will give you the necessary strength and grace.
C.H. Spurgeon