Blessings and Trials- Lent Day 12

This last year especially I've seen many people suffer around me. Suffering like I've never suffered before. Incurable diseases, loss of children, loss of a spouse, people losing jobs, etc. I've admired how many around me who are suffering cling to their faith in Christ. I think it is safe to say storms in life have a way of erasing or refining faith.

I don't know what my life holds, but I can say I know it won't be pain free, it's not always gonna be easy. There will be a day where my faith will have to face a really hard test. It may be sickness, a loss, unemployment, etc.

I can fully expect not to react perfectly in any storm, (nor will I ever claim that, I react so imperfect on a normal day let alone a time of trial) but I think its important at least for me to make a pre-decison to cling to my faith before the hard times come. I am reminded of a few verses.......that at least to me tell me to expect storms and to have a genuine and practiced faith before they come. I know we can't prepare for what the elements bring ..... earthquakes, rains, and winds can be so devastating..... I guess I just believe if I live my faith now, it will be something to cling to when/if everything else is in shambles. A foundation among the rubble. This is what I believe I have witnessed in those around me who've had such trials this last year. Thanks for reading.


Proverbs 10:25 (NLT)

"When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation."


Matthew 7:24-29 (NIV'84)

The Wise and Foolish Builders 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law



1 Peter 4:1

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin