I WILL NOT …….

How would you finish that sentence?  There are so many actions that could follow those words.

Today I would like you to think about the trials in life.  We ALL have them.  Sometimes they come one at a time and sometimes we are just overwhelmed. 

Trials – I will not….. 

I will not hide!  So often, when faced with the death of a loved one, an illness, an embarrassment or the world finding out our worst thought, deed or action, our first response is to hide.  To stay within the safety of our home.  To lower our head so no one sees the fear, regret or tears in our eyes. 

We often hide because we are afraid.  How will I survive without my spouse/child/friend?  How will I face this illness?  How do I overcome my embarrassment?  How do I go out now that everyone knows?  How?  You allow God to hold you up.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. 

Isaiah 41:10 and 13

When trials come, I will not hide.

I will not stay! 

Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.  Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

Proverbs 4:25-26

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Will trials and hardships come?  Yes!  Will they be hard, terrible and cruel?  Sometimes!  Will we understand them?  No!  What action do we take? 

KEEP MOVING FORWARD.  The Bible tells us there will be hardships.  Trials.  Suffering.  There is no place in the Word of God that says life will be a piece of cake.  What it does say is that we are to look straight ahead.  We are to keep our feet moving on the path.  We are to walk THROUGH. 

When trials come, I will not stay.

I will not forget!

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 5:3-5

As much as we hate to admit it, we learn from our trials. 

When trials are over, I will not forget. 

I will not forget the calm before the trial.

I will not forget the whirlwind during the trial.

I will not forget the blessings through the trial.

I will not forget the hand of God supporting me the whole time!!!!!!!!!!!!!

= = = = = = = = = = = =

This blog is written because our family has come through a trial.  Or maybe I should say we are on the other side and almost through. 

The other day I went for my annual “see the doctor so you can get meds” checkup.  The doctor asked, “How is your stress level.” 

My answer was, “Do you want to know about the stress or about the blessings from the stress.”

It was then that I realized that I was at the “I will not forget” stage.  I never want to forget the kindness and generosity of so many people.  Friends who stood beside us.  Those that extended extreme understanding and compassion to our son.  Two ministers that were there for us and a Sunday School class that listened and shed tears with me.  I never want to forget because I pray that tomorrow and the next day and the next day, I will be able to treat others with this same compassion and support.

And now?

When trials are over, I will move forward with a new understanding.