Devotions from Judy’s heart

We have gone through 5  states since leaving Paul’s  and we remarked often of the beauty of the hills and valleys … I especially liked the spacious meadows. In a spiritual sense, I would prefer the warm meadows where the sun is shining and it is problem free rather than the dark cold woods of adversity.  In fact there are some who think that being trouble free is a sure sign of spiritual maturity and sign of God’s favor. But as I read about the saints and people who have made an impact on my life, they are often the ones who have gone through dark times, struggles, and difficulties. I read about Constance Fink who went through dense woods of disappointments and darkness. And the Body of Christ told her she should be stronger and even questioned her salvation and fitness to minister. But in her words, “God often leads a spiritually healthy person onto a difficult path in order to develop qualities necessary for greater purposes.” Instead of judging we can pray for them, stand with them, encourage them, show understanding, remember that we may be next to go through dark wooded times. Let us put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another and forgiving each other…and above all put on love. ( Col 3)