"Reminder"

My old friend reminded me,

Of just how uphill life can be,

The trials and troubles all, you see,

Are used by God above.

But when the valley’s oh so long,

And you have lost your joy and song,

And wonder if you still belong,

You just might doubt His love.

But He has said the discipline,

Of learning through the trials we’re in,

Will take us from where we have been,

Into a better way.

So take a grip with tired hands,

And give to Him your day and plans,

God’s making men, and not just fans,

You’re going to be okay.

Don’t isolate or disconnect,

You need encouragement I ‘spect,

And help to see, God’s plan detect,

His purpose will prevail.

And you, like those who’ve gone before,

Will walk right through God’s open door,

The Spirit’s lead we won’t ignore,

You were not born to fail.

“For the Lord disciplines those He loves…” (Hebrews 12:7, NLT)

The Lord loves us exactly the way we are, but loves us too much to leave us the way we are. He uses everything, especially painful times, to mold and transform our lives. When we are going through challenging seasons, it’s good to be reminded of this. Life can be overwhelming, but God is working to teach us things that cannot be learned any other way. And what we learn through our suffering cannot. be stolen from us. Those lessons are etched deep within our souls, so that we may more full obey and depend upon the Holy Spirit.

Lord, help us learn from Your discipline, in Jesus’ name.

Art by R.S. Riddick, used by permission. Thanks, Mr. Riddick, and God bless you.