Not In My Power Alone

"As we face difficulties, others can see that something - some power, some knowledge - enables us to handle them in a way that isn't natural. ANd when they ask, they find out that the difference is God. They see in us HIs grace, and this brings glory to the One who fills the vessel." (From "LOrd, I Give You This Day by Kay Arthur) 




          My friend, Cathy, posted this to me on my facebook page.  What a blessing to me that someone else could see God working in my life.  If there ever was an earthly goal to be met, it would be... 'use me for Your glory Lord.'
          From Spurgeon.....''It is a poor faith which can only trust God when friends are true, the body full of health, and the business profitable; but that is true faith which holds by the Lord’s faithfulness when friends are gone, when the body is sick, when spirits are depressed, and the light of our Father’s countenance is hidden. A faith which can say, in the direst trouble, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him,” is heaven-born faith. The Lord afflicts his servants to glorify himself, for he is greatly glorified in the graces of his people, which are his own handiwork. When “tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope,” the Lord is honoured by these growing virtues. We should never know the music of the harp if the strings were left untouched; nor enjoy the juice of the grape if it were not trodden in the winepress; nor discover the sweet perfume of cinnamon if it were not pressed and beaten; nor feel the warmth of fire if the coals were not utterly consumed. The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through which his vessels of mercy are permitted to pass. Present afflictions tend also to heighten future joy. There must be shades in the picture to bring out the beauty of the lights. Could we be so supremely blessed in heaven, if we had not known the curse of sin and the sorrow of earth? Will not peace be sweeter after conflict, and rest more welcome after toil? Will not the recollection of past sufferings enhance the bliss of the glorified?''
        We would never choose suffering for ourselves but God has to break us in order to build us into who He wants us to be.  I certainly know that my journey has been paved by God's grace, mercy, strength and patience so I hope that my life shines brightly for Him for all to see.