Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Give thanks in your trials, not for your struggle, but for everything else; all the blessings that remain in the shadow of your tribulation. Giving thanks in our suffering moves the spot light off of our pain and shines it on all the awesome reasons we have to rejoice in Christ—still. God still loves you, He cares and provides for you. He redeemed, saved and sealed you. He is preparing a place for you. Earthly pain is temporary, the world is temporary; one microscopic snippet of the eternal life God has prepared for us.
When my life seemed as though it was falling apart one painful piece at a time…when I was suffering… when I was losing, in my brokenness the Lord was able to reveal Himself to me in a brand new way. If I hadn’t plunged to those depths I could not have known what I now know. For that reason, to this day, I am thankful for my suffering, for that reason I am willing to suffer whatever the Lord deems necessary to bring me into a deeply intimate relationship with Him—ready and prepared to pass seamlessly from this life to meet Him face to face.
–Kimberly Murray
“My Redeemer’s love grows sweeter
As eternity draws near
I’ll enjoy His love forever
At His throne for endless years
My Redeemer’s love will fill me
On the day I see His face
I will love Him back forever
And forever sing His praise”
(Sovereign Grace, “My Redeemers Love”)
Kimberly Murray 