Friday, October 26, 2013
By: Gwen Hitt
It's ALL Gonna Be Worth It
Romans 8:18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.
My husband and I were discussing one of our friend's participation in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. In our discussion, my husband helped me to clearly grasp the distance of this marathon which is 26.2 miles by pointing out two familiar beginning and ending landmarks. By visualizing it in this way, I was able to truly comprehend the magnitude of what our friend was embarking on...the enormity of this undertaking.
As I thought about our friend's resolve to subject his body to such TORTURE (my opinion only - LOL), I was reminded of today's scripture. By faithfully enduring all that he has during the months set aside for his training, he will be able to enjoy great satisfaction in knowing that he is one of the few individuals in the country who has participated in and completed a 26.2 mile Marine Corps Marathon. At that point, his hard work will be worth it.
This scripture is such an encouragement for our spiritual lives. I firmly believe that our struggles....our illnesses....our pain WILL lead us to great glory if we allow ourselves to keep our eyes focused on God. Corrie Ten Boom, who suffered in a Nazi death camp, explained the power of focus: "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest!"
James 1:2-4 provides the following encouragement for us when we face difficulties in our lives "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."
My challenge to you today is to realize that the most difficult circumstances in your life are the ones with the greatest potential for growth. If you are facing an overwhelming challenge in your life, embrace it as a time to grow and mature in your faith. Utilize what can be deemed as a dark time by many as an invitation to draw you to the LIGHT of this world ... our Savior Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, Help me to always realize that You are there for me in my pain and in my suffering to carry me through. My desire is to remain focused on You because I know that You have a wonderful plan for my life and that ..... IT'S ALL GONNA BE WORTH IT!
I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that you are Lord and God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
