I always consider Paul in the word of God and how he had a thorn in his side. The Bible says he sought the Lord to remove it three times, but it wasn’t removed. When I think about that, and when I consider our lives and our burdens that seem to remain no matter how much we pray, fast, or cry out desperately to the Lord, I am reminded that God has reasons for everything.

When trials and burdens come, we often seek the Lord more fervently, praying and reading our Bibles like never before. Perhaps God, in His wisdom, knows what’s best for us. Maybe He keeps certain challenges in our lives to keep us abiding in Him, to be a witness for Him, and to keep us on our knees, seeking Him wholeheartedly. Sometimes, when all is well, we might not seek the Lord as we should or call upon His name as often as He desires.

In 2 Corinthians, regarding the thorn in Paul’s side, the Lord says, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul then declares, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:6-10).

The word of God encourages us to count it all joy when we face various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience (James 1:2-3). As Job declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). No matter what we’re facing at this moment in life, we will declare and proclaim God’s goodness. Our Lord is the same forever; He never changes. God’s ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts, but one thing is certain: we serve a magnificent Father who loves each of us with an everlasting love.

If we must suffer for the cause of Christ, let us do so with dignity and honor. “If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins with us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:16-19).

I love the song that says, “Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control: that Christ has regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul.” So whatever our lot, the Lord has taught us to say, “It is well with our souls.” Let us run our race, keep our eyes on the prize, and always look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

In Jesus’ name, I ask and pray. Amen and Amen. Be blessed today, my dear sweet friends. Remember, wherever you go and whatever you do, be a light for our Father. Much love to you all. Mandi