Philippians 2:12-18
It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. —Philippians 2:13 (NRSVUE)
I found myself in a hospital bed, recovering from a stroke and thinking, “If I can just get through this.” Thankfully, I had no paralysis or changes in my speech, but I did lose some peripheral vision. After eight days, I was able to go home. But there were many changes. I was bumping into things and had to teach myself how to maneuver all over again. But I got through it.
When we experience challenges, often we immediately think, I just have to get through this. We always want the trial to end and a good, carefree life to resume. But as I reflect on the trials of my life, I notice that the toughest times are typically when I can focus on God the best. I think of life’s hardships as construction zones in which we can rely on God in greater ways than we ever have before. My stroke affected me physically, but it also helped me spiritually. I have learned to thank God in all circumstances.
God is always with us, and what a joy it is to experience God’s peace in the trials we face! We need not fear the construction zones of life because they are opportunities for our faith to grow firm in the One who created us.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being at work in our lives. Help us to trust that it is for our good and your glory. Amen.
Thought for the day: I can trust that God is at work in the construction zones of my life.
Susan K. Shumway (Ohio, USA)
