Dear Ones,
Hope you have a relaxing weekend and keep cool. Sad about the raging fires and also the poor air quality. This morning Kurt and Brenda and another couple will be stopping in and yesterday Ann and Leif came.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
One day we will see the Lord face to face, and we can’t even imagine what that will be like. But in the meantime, may our desire be to continually draw closer to Him. Have you noticed how often the Lord uses suffering to bring us into a more intimate relationship? Maybe a friend was diagnosed with cancer, or another was in an accident and now they are going to church, making time for their family, and seeking what is important in life.

God doesn’t cause suffering, but He uses suffering for much good in our lives as a means to get our attention, develop our character, and bring growth and intimacy into our lives. We have only to get a painful reminder when we get hurt, that Jesus went through the worst pain and death for us. He knows pain. If we face pain well, we can develop empathy and compassion for others, perseverance and hope. It can be a faith purifying experience and show us our true nature. Maybe we think we are strong and yet when adversity comes, we fold. Or we could be surprised at how well we accepted a difficult situation and saw purpose in it.

Suffering tests the faith in all of us. When we are challenged, we find out if we only trust the Lord when things are going well. On the other hand, it may the very thing that equips us to comfort others, for we know what it is like to go through pain. I found that true after my leg injury and the long recovery, I felt the pain of others who had health issues and could relate, praying much for them. Paul said to the Corinthians that the comfort God gives us when we are afflicted, is so that we also can comfort others. (II Cor 1:3-4) I found also that our suffering often gives us an opportunity to share with others the difference the Lord makes in our suffering. When the wound specialists told me how well I was doing, I would say, “I know it is because of the prayers of so many for me!” The bottom line is that God has control over suffering and He suffers along with us.

Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to help you be a good student, learning from your experiences of suffering to help you grow and to bring Him glory.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy