Adversity

There are some days I feel that I could just embrace Adversity with open arms - just trying to control it with God's strength, but other days I just want to kick it in its rear, but I know without those experiences I would not be the strong person I am today. Know that Adversity/Suffering is what gives you character, and character gives you hope...hope. (John 16:33)


This blog was hand written by Tina about 4 months ago, back on August 12, 2012 but it is just now being posted on this blog for the first time. This is the very last blog entry that Tina wrote in her journal.


Written by Tina and typed by Aaron


Update: As I am typing this blog for my beautiful wife, tears are streaming down my face not because I am sad but because I am so, so proud of Tina. This blog (although it was written almost 4 months ago) came at just the right time for me. My loving Father God and Savior Jesus Christ knew that I needed to read these exact words this morning. This has been the hardest week so far for so many reasons. This has been a week overflowing with adversity and suffering...and yet, it has also been a week full of hope and joy as I can feel my Lord drawing closer and closer to my side. I will give more specific details next week in the blog but until then please keep us in your prayers. We pour out our Father's love to you.

aaron

Jars of Clay...

When I was much younger I made a ceramic mug at my school. When I started it was just a lump of clay, but when I was done shaping and molding the clay it was a new creation. I then learned that in order for it to be "useful" the teacher had to place it in a kiln to fire it. This reminds me of the verse in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that states "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." Just like that lump of clay, when we give our life to Christ he will shape us and mold us into a new creation...and just like that mug in order to be "useful" for Christ we as His followers will often go through many fiery trials in our lifetime. Check out this verse in 1 Peter 4:12-13 "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." I am also reminded of the concept that in order for a sword to be made sound it has to be placed into a refining fire to make it strong. During this season in our life, Tina and I know full well the pain that a fiery trial can bring....BUT we also know full well that our God is making us stronger through this and we feel so honored that He is using us as we share in His sufferings.

Reflection for you and me: Are we allowing God to use us for His glory and for His purpose? Are we just "pretty" jars sitting on a shelf (expecting only health, wealth and a lifetime free of any "inconvenience") or are we willing to go through fiery trials so that we can be vessels of His mercy and love used to bring refreshment to a thirsty world?

Update: Tina is doing much better today. Her pain and nausea are under control and she has been sleeping well too. She has also been doing well in her physical, occupational and speech therapy. Despite the continued trials we are doing well. We really are. In fact, just a few moments ago Tina and I were laughing hysterically about an inside joke that only she and I will ever know about :)

Follow our blog @ christslegacy.blogspot.com

p.s. This blog was inspired by Tina's blog entitled Broken Jar dated 8-4-2011. Go check it out and many of the other amazing blogs that she and God wrote together.

- A messenger of God