on purpose

In midst of troubles, these verses sang comfort to my heart. But today they all hit me at once. I read one and it reminded me of another. And then I got thinking and remembered a verse from the attic of my brain. And it was just like, this is a message I needed to hear. God spoke to me in the quiet. I didn't intentionally sit down to listen to Him, but that didn't matter. He spoke. He spoke. 

Romans 8:18 -     For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

2 Corinthians 4:17-For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

1 Corinthians 13:12- For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

First of all, all of the verses start with "for" 

Did you notice? :) Skimmers, go back and read!

What an encouragement. I don't want to let my words get in the way today, but I had to share. I had to share my heart. Anything we are going through, any circumstance experienced, controllable or not - it won't compare to the glory of Our Victorious King! Not only will be come to make all things right - Dostoevsky even says, "will make it possible not only to forgive, but to justify all that has happened." Now, that's a pretty radical statement. I have been hurt. Some of my readers have been hurt in ways that I haven't. Forgive but also justify the bad things that have happened to us?! It took me years to forgive and it's a conscious choice to every day humble myself before the Lord and forgive the wrongs.I'll be honest, sometimes pride wins. But then, I think of how ugly and dirty I am, and how white and pure Jesus makes me. He has forgiven me time and time and time again. How could I not show that same love to my brother?  But JUSTIFY?! Are you kidding???!!! It's hard to believe that I will ever be able to justify the things with which I have been wronged. But God's grace had done more in my life than I could have ever thunk up myself, so I should probably just keep believing that the Almighty has got that one covered, too. 

"Eternity goggles" is a phrase I was introduced to at Bible camp. But it's for real! As Christians, we aren't living for this world. We are living for a world we were made for - heaven. (Yes, that is a C.S. Lewis allusion, friends.) We are living as a light in this world. Why? Because we have the Light! Jesus cannot be overcome!!! Do you realize the loveliness of that? He has overcome. So those light and momentary afflictions? They will pass. Jesus won't ever leave or forsake you. He loves you soooo much. That's enough. So, get your perspective on! Don't lose heart, my friends. The troubles of this world are quick to weigh us down, but Jesus is preparing a heavenly home for us. Put full faith in your omnipotent Savior, and trust that He will hold you in His arms. Keep your eyes on that glory! It's a coming!

Maybe you're, stuck in the "why?" WHY is this happening to me? WHY now? WHY did you do that? WHY did I do that? WHY WHY WHY? Well, I don't know. Sometimes, the beauty is in the not knowing. For me, that's a confusing truth. But that's where trust comes in. God fully knows us. He knows our hearts. He knows our situations. He knows our future. He knows it all! When we see Jesus face to face, maybe we will get the full story. But will it even matter at that point? We will have fought the good fight. We will have run the race with perseverance. But maybe we'll know. But for know, in the not knowing, have faith. Trust, like a little child trusts their parents, that God has your good in mind. Trust that He will lead you on the right path. When it's scary, when it's foggy, when it's hurting, when it's hard, He won't let go of your hand. And you know what else? I'll be right there along side you. Now, that is a two-way street people. You get weary, I pick you up. I get weary, you pick me up. Deal? Deal. Pinky promise? Pinky promise!!!

So wherever you find yourself today, I hope that you are reassured of your unshakeable, unmovable, unwavering HOPE in the arms of your loving Savior, Jesus Christ.