“We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive.” (2 Corinthians 6:9, NASB)
“So do not be afraid of suffering or defeat. It is through being “struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:9) and through being broken to pieces, and those pieces being torn to shreds, that we become people of strength. And it is the endurance of one believer that produces a multitude.
Measure your life by loss and not by gain,
Not by the wine drunk but by the wine poured forth.
For love’s strength is found in love’s sacrifice,
And he who suffers most has most to give.”(from Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowman, October 11, page 384)
Photo by 🇨🇠Marcel Gross | @marcelgross.ch on Unsplash
Today I am joining … Scripture & a Snapshot and Sunday Scripture Blessings .
It does make one stronger in the long run. Having things always go well or provided even in youth does not tend to make a person strong. Going through the fire at times burnishes us.
This is such a good reminder when we expect the Christian life to be all sunshine and roses. It’s not–it’s blessed, but it’s not always easy.
Barbara, you are so right. Although not easy, we do live blessed!
Love this, and no wonder it sounded familiar. I have the same devotional, LOL.
Thanks for sharing.
🙂 I rotate several devotionals on a yearly basis. Streams is the one I am using this year.
I’m left wondering if I really want to do the hard work that makes endurance the prize …
So true, Linda.
Allowing God to shape us by the adversities we face – He makes us more like himself, and show him to the world.
Not easy to go through yet accomplishes purposes beyond our own understanding or expectations.
I’m so thankful that when we are broken and call out to God, our Father picks us up, puts us back together, and guides us back to His path. We are stronger when we surrender to Him.