This gladiola made its way through a hole in the brick to get to sunlight so it could grow, bloom and display its God-given beauty.
Father, Paul made this statement about his circumstances and the difficulties he had been through: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” And it seems this is true for me and most other believers as well.
Just because my life belongs to You doesn’t mean it will be all sunshine and lollipops.
Because I live in a fallen world, and because there is an evil one, and even because I am flesh, there are opportunities for and occurrences of hardship. Some caused by my own mistakes and sin.
And although I face challenges, temptations and trials, You have assured me You are always with me, and You will make a way for me.
It reminds me of a piece of framed art I saw once with the words of a poem by an unknown author. The beauty and the security of the promise in the poem struck me.
God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through.
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Father, when I am hard-pressed, make me stronger. When perplexed, light my way with Your truth. When I am persecuted or struck down, raise me up in Your strength. Let all these things in my life bring You glory.
Thank You for Your grace and help. Thank You that You never leave me. That You will always love me. And that I will always be Yours. Amen
Daily Bible Prayer 