" Man has a claim on God, a divine claim for any pain, want,
disappointment, or misery that will help to make him what he ought to
be. He has a claim to be punished, and to be spared not one pang that
may urge him toward repentance; yea, he has a claim to be compelled to
repent; to be hedged in on every side, to have one after another of the
strong, sharp-toothed sheep-dogs of the Great Shepherd sent after him,
to thwart him in any desire, foil him in any plan, frustrate him of any
hope, until he comes to see at length that nothing will ease his pain,
nothing make life a thing worth having, but the presence of the living
God within him; that nothing is good but the will of God; nothing noble
enough for the desire of the heart of man but oneness with the eternal.
For this God must make him yield his very being, that He himself may
enter in and dwell with him"
George MacDonald
As
I read quotes like this one and read the Scriptures, I am so thankful
that I can see the hand of the Lord in my life - teaching, taking away,
growing, stretching, strengthening me, orchestrating everything in my
life for me to become more Christ like, to be conformed to His image.
When we have the perspective that everything is for our good and growth
spiritually, and is sent from the loving hand of our Father, it really
helps to change our outlook on everything that comes up and helps us to
have a meek, moldable spirit and allows us to rejoice in the loving
working hand of our gracious Lord.
"Beloved,
think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as
though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as
ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be
revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
1 Peter 4:12-13
"Rejoice
evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this
is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"My
brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations;
knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let
patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing.
If
any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him
ask in faith, nothing wavering...
Blessed
is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall
receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him."
James 1:2-6,12
~Brittany
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