How Can I Thank Him Enough?

Today’s Reading:  II Corinthians 12:9-10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Thank you, thank you, thank you father for the persecutions in my life, for although they may cause me strife and discomfort, compared to what Paul faced and what others around the world face each day it is nothing and with each trouble that I do face I will be reminded that it is not about me, but about you.  I am also reminded of what is written on this little bag that I tote around with me.  It has a red cross painted at the top followed by these words:

GOD LOVED THE WORLD SO MUCH THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON.  JOHN 3:16

THIS MESSAGE IS ILLEGAL IN 53 COUNTRIES.

RESTRICTED NATIONS: 40              HOSTILE AREAS: 13

I choose this bag to carry my everyday supplies of pens, pencils, sticky notes, paper clips, etc. for a reason.  I knew I would have it with me all the time and that I would be reminded of what a privileged life I lead simply because I do not have to live in fear of serving Jesus Christ.  That I never have to hide my Bible.  That I never have to worry about saying the name of Jesus.  That I do not have to hide to pray to my God.  That I do not have to seek a secret place to worship my Father.  How can I complain about one thing?  I can’t!

I will be the first to admit that I let things get to me a little too much sometimes.  That I try to take care of the situation instead of seeking Jesus for what I should do.  That I become very defensive, not so much about myself, as the people I love.  But that is what makes me human, that is my flesh, and that is what also keeps me grounded in your guidance and love.  It is just another reminder that I cannot do this on my own.  I cannot live this life without you.   My life is pointless if I don’t allow you in it.

So did I do everything right today? No!  But do I love Jesus more at this moment than I did yesterday? Yes!!!!  So once again I learn about the truth of James’ words…. “count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2).  It is these trials that draw us closer to Christ, that allow us to see the big picture a little clearer, and to deepen the love for others a little bit more.  Compared to others my persecutions, my trials, seem extremely insignificant, but to God they are not.  Not because of the specific trial or persecution, but because they affect me and he cares about that.  He loves me more than I will ever be able to comprehend and once again I thank him for his will in my life.  I thank him for the problems in my life because each one draws me closer to him and my dependence on him deepens with each one.