Dear Ones, Happy weekend! We are especially enjoying it as we got to see friends while we are in Des Moines and spent a wonderful evening together over pizza. Today we head to Olathe, Kansas to spend the weekend with Kurt and Brenda, and see the grandkids!!Devotions from Judy’s heart
We all go through times of testing and trials in our lives, but there is purpose in them as Peter writes to the persecuted Christians in I Peter 1:6-7, “This means tremendous joy to you, even though at present you may be temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith which is infinitely more valuable than gold, and gold, as you know, even though it is ultimately perishable, must be purified by fire. This proving of your faith is planned to result in praise and glory and honor in the day when Jesus Christ reveals himself.”

I don’t think most of us ask for trials or even welcome them, but it helps us to know that they are the very things that shape our faith. There is purpose in them and they often give us a new outlook. During this process, it is helpful to ask for eyes of faith so we can be open to discern what God is trying to teach us through them. So often we try to view from our own limited perspective, but the Lord has a panoramic view and sees what is necessary for our growth to be more conformed to His image.

Our part is to surrender and flow with His plan and purpose in each trial we face. I hear from many of you are going through very difficult times right now, and patience is needed. The process may seem slow, but perhaps the Lord wants to give new vision, fresh perspective, or possibly open a new door. Let us not fail the test, but may our faith grow continually stronger and bring glory to the Lord.

Challenge for today: Thank the Lord for what He wants to teach you as you go through trials, and ask Him to help you be a patient learner.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy