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| God never uses anyone greatly until He tests them deeply - A.W.Tozer |
Being tested is never easy, but I've found it prepares me for the work God has for me. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Share your answers in the comment section below.
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Blessings,
Edie
Using my 20-20 hindsight, every time God has called me to something, I look back to see the trials and testing. Even Jesus began His ministry with 40 days in the wilderness, tested by the devil.
ReplyDeleteEdie, Great encouragement. God has refined me, and still has much dross to eradicate. I heard a saying "When you are broken God has more pieces to use for His service." As a speaker I share my deep hurts with ladies. I have seen hearts mended and lives changed by the Holy Spirit, after the women realize that they are not the only one going through tumultuous times. They see the hope and victory in me. Hey if God can get me through it He can certainly carry them too. God is good to use the pieces for His pleasure.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, Edie. Thank you for reminding me this morning!
ReplyDeleteFor a while now God and I have been on a journey together where all He does is put opportunities in front of me with my new business and He sees (tests) if I am going to do what I write and speak about or cower. In this process with Him, I have learned we should live in this constant state of sweaty palms, pushing through fear, sharing with the down trodden even when we do not know the reason. God has put these opportunities before us, not to make us comfortable but to see if we will sacrifice our comfort like Jesus did for us. To me, living in this constant state of awareness that at any moment God has someone for me to interact with, is so much more fulfilling than a constant state of contentment. This is an exciting journey; not always easy, but I feel so much closer to God than when I'm not acting on the opportunities he gives me.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we find ourselves in a situation God has not placed us in but is a result of others' actions. After all, God has granted man free will. This is the case I have experienced over the last year. In this time I have discovered the deep love and concern God has for me. And as I turn to Him for help He is there. As a result I have learned first hand how much God loves me and will guide me through these tough moments. My relationship with Him has deepened as scripture verses manifest themselves each day. As a result of everything, I know that my ministry holds more value to God and has already affected the lives of many people around me.
ReplyDeleteI thought things were going along smoothly...until my wife of 40 years died. God used what was the worst experience of my life to ultimately nudge me into writing: first, the non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death of a Spouse, and then Christian novels. I had no idea any of this was coming. I made my plans. God revealed His. And His were better.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Richard. My husband of 46 years died suddenly while we served as missionaries to the US military in Japan. My ministry and dreams immediately changed. God's grace placed me back in our sending church and has allowed me to use my journals for a forthcoming book,Good Grief-I Need Relief! A Widow's Guide to Recovering and Rejoicing. Besides coordinating a ministry for widows,and another one for others who are grieving,I enjoy writing devotionals for a radio broadcast. Never did I dream such a thing would happen. PTL for His plan above mine.
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