Freedom In Suffering........

.




Not a dolphin from my porch...they were

too far out.



This morning as I sit out on my beach front porch listening to the wave’s crash against the shore and watching the dolphins jump with glee, I am free. I opened my Bible up to James 1 this morning and my  devotion, “Streams In The Dessert”, and I was gifted with the understanding that "Suffering" has accomplished its' purpose, I am free.  I have reached that place where I can be calm and carefree, inwardly smiling at my suffering. 

 

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.           James 1:1-4

           

I’m not smiling because Ryan is no longer with me, that will always grip my heart and easily produce tears. In fact, it just did.  But I’m smiling because of the wondrous things the Holy Spirit has done deep in my soul through my suffering.  My entire existence lies perfectly still under the hand of God; a quiet understanding of eternity has settled in my soul.  I have marveled in the last couple months how free of worry I am and how unimportant my circumstances are to my inner workings.   I have realized that the images I once had of a “perfect life” and the pursuit of foolish things are no longer.  My only choice of the day has become the purpose of God.  My emotions are weaned from people and things and I can now let circumstances be what they may be and continue to seek only God’s will.  I am now sure that “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes.”  Romans 8:28

 

“What a blessing to lose our own strength, wisdom, plans, and desires and to be where every ounce of our being becomes like a peaceful Sea of Galilee (or Gulf of Mexico) under the omnipotent feet of Jesus! From Streams of Dessert.

 

 

I am grateful for this gift of understanding.