E-votional - Enjoying Adversity
May 14, 2002
Verse:

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies."

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NRSV)

Thought:

   If you only look at the surface you miss the true beauty. This is a teaching, saying, or whatever that has been passed on for generations. We can not see the true joy or the true turmoil in the life of another merely looking at the surface. To understand anything, we must look deeper. This is where we, as Christians, have a chance to tell our story.

   Hear the Good News, our story and our faith is carried within us that we might share who we are, what God is doing in our life. As fragile as we are, we remind others that in spite of the adversity in our life we are able to face life with joy because we know and are aware of what God is doing in our life. We must develop an approach to life that is representative of His grace, an approach and understanding that allows us to laugh at our own mistakes; a example pointing to God as our strength and comfort. It's not all about you. It's not all about me. It is all about God.

Prayer: 

   Gracious God, it is about You. You give strength, direction and hope. Help me to see the beauty in the adversity. Help me to tell Your story, not mine, because I am merely a vessel, a plain clay pot. It is the stuff inside that matters Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.