Trials...

     The first order of business was our lesson on Joseph. We are using The Bible Study Guide for all ages. This is part of my News Years Resolutions  list for this year. To rediscover the wonder and awe of God. The life of Joseph is truly an amazing example of God's control of all aspects of a Christian's life. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and left to rot in a prison cell until someone finally remembered that he could interpret dreams. Yet, when he revealed himself to his brothers, he said to them "You meant it for harm, but God meant it for good." He was content with the turn of events that had put him in his high position in Egypt and easily forgave his brothers for the harm they tried to bring upon him because of their hatred and jealousy.

     It caused me to pause and reflect on the past trials in my life and try to see what God taught me because of them. Currently, I am content. I can list no major trial that I am going through. It is a time of peace. However, I know that anyday, God could allow some life changing event to take place and I need to be ready with a response of trust and contentment; knowing that God means to prosper me and not to harm me.

     Seven and a half years ago my daughter was born. This in itself was a life changing event. However, within hours of her birth she began having breathing difficulties and was snatched from my arms as I lay trying to nurse her. She was placed in an oxygen tent which she obviously despised and continually tried to push it away. The doctor's then decided to "paralyze" her with medications to preserve her strength for the long recovery which lay ahead. Withing twelve hours or so she was transported to a larger hospital and from there directly to Children's Hospital in Boston.

    My husband went with her because I was still a little to weak for the trip. I was basically alone and yet I wasn't. God was very present. Through the tears and heartache I was feeling I gave my daughter to God, totally and completely telling Him that if He wanted her in heaven with Him, than I was ready to accept that.

     I am so thankful to this day, that He did not take me up on that offer and I have a beautiful daughter that I treasure everyday. It is truly a miracle that she is with us today. At one of her check-ups a few months after her birth, her pediatrician said to me "She was so close to death that she kissed the feet of God."

     Out of this trial I, I believe I began to learn contenment and complete trust in my God and Savior. This is not to say that I won't falter, for we all do. It will take many more trials and my final resting place in His eternal arms before I have attained the mark, but it's a start. God only allows trials in our lives to make us more like His Son Jesus Christ.

I'll post my tag later today or tommorow.

OK, I posted my answers.

You inspire me! I was just trying to think where I was 7 1/2 years ago. Trying to remember where I was when all of this was happening in your life. Sadly, I think I was very focused on "me" in those days. I only vaguely remembered some of this. Truely she is a miracle and a gift! I remember going through the whole oxygen hood with my little guy, but it was nothing in comparison....

Isn't the Lord wonderful and gracious, inspite of us....

Hugs, MaggieRaye

Trials are times of such growth. Times when we release, are the moments we realize just how strongly God is holding on to us. Praise the Lord for your gift. Because of Jesus, Bobbie

wow! where do you live? it sounds really cold. last week we were swimmimg outside here...but don't fret because this week an unexpected cold front has come through and postponed our usual spring like january. It has been chilly...and I am decked out in my one comfy but cute matching sweats that I like to sleep in but often can't find a day to where them out...today it is 51 degrees. very cold. but i think you have us beat! anyway, it sounds like your hubby and i might have some strangeness in common. i am also a very light sleeper and my man is a very deep sleeper...that is why it works so well for me :) maybe if your man gets bored one night he can try it on you...sometimes chris (my husband) even responds immediately with gentle sleep rumblings of the adventure i am subliminally offering him. i get such a good laugh (the wee wee in your pants kind) sometimes i think it's a shame i have to experience it alone :( as for rhyming...it never fails, wails, bails, pails, tails-- me, wee, tee, hee hee.

in the bond of His service and love, psalm518