“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13
On my way home from work today, I got stuck in a huge thunderstorm. It was one of those storms that left huge puddles in the road and my car kept getting pulled into the puddles. I was pretty nervous driving through the storm- my wipers were going as fast as they could and it still wasn’t keeping my windshield clear.
But all of a sudden it was like I passed through a door into blue skies. It was such a relief. I don’t think that I’d realized how much I wanted to be out of that storm until I actually was out of it. I was driving away from the storm too, so for the rest of my drive home I could see the dark clouds from my rearview mirror and only clear skies in front of me.
That simple thunderstorm made me think of this trial. During this “storm” I’m tempted to fear, or to become anxious, and just want to be out of it. But just as God safely lead me out of the thunderstorm, He will safely lead us out of this trial. And when this trial is over, I will feel like we can let out our breath for the first time since Sept. 30. While we are guaranteed to have more times of adversity there will also be more times of prosperity and plenty of times away from the storms that we face now. And even if we don’t see the end of this trial in this world, meeting Jesus’ will be that much sweeter.
Thank you for praying for Ian….
Larissa
anonymous
June 29, 2007 at 2:55 am
Your faith encourages me, as I am sure it does others. You, and your daily messages, remind me that whatever comes we are in HIS hands. I continue to pray, as I do every day, that one day – soon -all of you will hear Ian speak and tell you all how much you kept him going. May God continue to bless you and give you strength for every day. Rene from Latrobe
anonymous
June 29, 2007 at 5:11 am
Beautiful truth. Perfect illustration of suffering, and then beyond the suffering. There will be tons of blue skies ahead for you, Larissa. Both in this life and the next. The Scriptures promise it.
kristi
Sara
June 29, 2007 at 9:09 pm
well said Larissa, well said…
anonymous
June 30, 2007 at 1:43 am
larissa,
always you inspire and put to words what hearts yearn to express.
Joyce B and Malcolm J are praying.
anonymous
July 1, 2007 at 4:54 am
Larissa and all,
May you be comforted in knowing that Ian has salvation. That Ian has a place at the table of our Lord. For through his innocence and suffering he has glorified Jesus by exanple.
In a moment of personal anguish I pleaded to God why the innocent have to be hurt, it did not seem fair, and his reply was “I am innocent too and I get hurt.”
I pray that Ian talks again and recovers, but salvation is his. May we also pray that salvation may be ours.
God will bless
Denny