Glory in Tribulation

Glory in Tribulation

Two years ago my family went through major changes. The enemy attacked my husband and me, twice within a 6 month period. Both attacks involved our children, one was partially expected, just not as soon, the second came out of nowhere and shook our foundation. My husband took a 6 month break from teaching the Sunday school class he loves and I went into a downward spiral of depression.  I spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect prayer. I watched the movie, War Room, and immediately created a war room of my own. I started a journal like the movie suggested. When that didn’t “fix” things. I tried to find the perfect prayer and pray “correctly”. I thought if I used the right words, God would fix everything and when that didn’t work, I became angry and cried out in frustration to God.

Over the last two years, our family has done some amazing things. My husband went to Honduras on a mission trip and has committed more time to work in the church. I started reading my bible daily and working in different areas in the church. God, has blessed us beyond measure. At one point, all I could do was cry as God poured his blessings on us. We had no explanation for most of what was happening and still don’t. I remember looking at my husband and saying through tears, it is too much, we are not worthy.

We are still in the storm and still praying for restoration. We know that God is protecting us. We know that God allowed each thing to happen when it did to protect us from further hurt from the enemy. So, while our hearts ache, we rejoice in the knowledge, that God saw this attack and placed angels around to prevent something more.

When the enemy attacks all we can think about is the pain we are feeling at that very moment. I have had time to look at the last two years and realize that God used these last two years to build a stronger relationship with me. I love more. I don’t judge, as much. I’ve learned that all sin is sin and I thank God that he does not judge one sin more than another. I try to see past the sin and look at how the enemy is deceiving someone. If we search deep down at sin, that is what we will find deception. The promise of something better, but it never is.

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

 ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God

. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

 ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5: 1-4

It took a long time for me to, glory in tribulation. What tribulation are you going through? Have you found glory or are you allowing the enemy to steal your joy? Nothing makes the enemy angrier than to see you grow in character and hope, when he tries to steal, kill and destroy.

If you are going through a storm today, remember, God knew this would happen. He saw it and He is with you. He will see you through and you will come out of it. We are not promised a perfect life, but for those of us that have accepted Christ as our personal Savior, this, is the only Hell we will ever know.

Father God, Thank you for sending an army of angels to protect when the enemy attacks. Thank you for your word that reminds us that it is through these times we grow. I pray for those going through the storm right now. I pray they glory in the tribulation and know that you have already won.