Dear Ones,
Hope you have peaceful day. It is supposed to warm up and we hope so as it has been cool and windy since our son’s family got here from N.C.  This morning I am going to make meat loaf and do food prep and this afternoon Ann is stopping by.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
How humble are we? I have been reading of saintly people who love even their weaknesses without an attempt to hide them or pretend they don’t exist. Instead, they accept humiliations as necessary for their growth in humility. As I first read of this, I wondered how do we come to love our weaknesses and face our difficult circumstances with rejoicing, and know that grace is on its way. We know that God resists the proud and gives His grace to the humble (James 4:6) and so when he sends us humiliations, we hopefully respond and embrace them with a humble spirit.
What if someone lies about us and damages our reputation? We may speak a word of truth in response, but then have to leave it and not continue to try to defend ourselves but trust the Lord. He is the one who judges us and His judgment is just.
What about our health? We like to be strong and healthy, but if we have chronic illnesses, grow old and weak, then what is our response? Do we get angry and wonder why it is happening to us, or do we accept it with meekness and develop a deeper trust in God? Sometimes God brings us healing, but other times our health crisis continues because He has a good purpose in store for us to better serve Him. Our part is to offer our suffering up to the Lord and praise Him however He answers. Teresa of Avila used to challenge the nuns to learn to suffer for the love of God and to “come to die for Christ, not to live comfortably for Him.”
When I began writing this, I got a phone call that Jack, the 85-year-old doctor for whom I asked you to pray in the past and who had recovered from many serious things, is now being put in hospice. They estimate he has only six months or less to live and he wants to go home from assisted living to prepare for his homecoming. He knows the Lord and is not holding on to his earthly life, but is preparing for his death. Al also prays for us that we may have a good death. Let us offer our pain and weaknesses to the Lord and prepare for our eternal glory.
Challenge for today: When you are sick, embrace your suffering and ask for God’s good purpose to serve Him.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy