~ 2 Corinthians 9:9 (MSG)
Several years ago I experienced a most painful betrayal. I felt such a sense of loss, such heartache. Although I am optimistic by nature, I couldn’t help but think that my life had been permanently altered. In a sense it had.
I am not the same person today that I was before that experience. I am closer to my Father God than I have ever been. I am also a better mother, wife, sister, and friend. Through that difficult experience God humbled me, broke me, released me, restored me.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12(NIV)
Had I not experienced it, I most likely would not have appreciated the truth of these verses, but I am convinced that one of the most astonishing methods God uses to pour out his blessings is through trials and testing.
The rose’s leaf,
Ere I can keep and use
It’s fragrance brief.
They tell me I must break
The skylark’s heart,
Ere her cage song will make
The silence start.
They tell me love must bleed,
And friendship weep,
Ere in my deepest need
I touch that deep.
Must it be always so
With precious things?
Must they be bruised and go
With beaten wings?
Ah, yes! By crushing days,
By caging nights, by scar
Of thorn and stony ways,
These blessings are!
-Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Streams In The Desert
In Other Words is being hosted today by Deborah. I hope you will take the time to read some of the other posts on this quote.
If we do not look at things – (in particular things that hurt us deeply) – with spiritual eyes, nothing in this life makes sense. To understand “Blessings” at all we must be tested... for without the trial the “astonishing” part makes no sense and the “blessing” part is just another thing
ReplyDeleteI like this post very much!
~es.
Thanks for the lovely poem!
ReplyDeleteI like your focus on the trials of life and how they are blessings just like the good. May God continue to heal your heart. Thanks for including the poem, too. No doubt your fragrance is sweet.
ReplyDeleteSharlyn,
ReplyDeleteI too, have been learning from those very same scriptures the results from being through those fiery trials in our lives. It's in those times that God really works for His benefit and ours, yet we might not always see it at the time. I am forever thankful that God was with me during each and every one of them.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat