Reflecting

Two years ago at this time, our 2 month old son was in open-heart surgery. Even now, that is hard to believe. I can remember so many details about that day - what I wore, who came to visit, the hospital smells, the list goes on and on....

I've been reflecting a bit lately on the Scripture that says suffering produces endurance. We have experienced this. Since all that happened with Peter, life hasn't been easy. We've faced extremely difficult financial times, big job/ministry decisions and many other things. Much of what we've faced, however, would have caused us to want to give up before Feb. 24, 2009. Our experience with Peter has become a huge marking point, a constant shift of perspective. NOTHNG seems all that bad compared to 2 years ago.

What a gift endurance is! We often don't look at it that way. Endurance is one of those things (like patience) that we know we should be practicing, but we don't really want it. However, endurance is a biblical quality that gives us strength to keep going.

I was reading recently about how God works and allows circumstances for our good and for His glory. We, as humans, see those two things separately, but this author was saying they are not separate, they are harmonious. They work in perfect harmony together.

I am so thankful for all that God has done for us! Most of all, for His Son, Jesus Christ.