Today I can’t help but think about this scripture out of Romans.
Romans 8:28 NLT
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
I keep finding myself saying a breath prayer of, “Thank You, thank you…” for this promise. Have you ever taken a moment to consider how inclusive the word “everything” is. That is an amazing promise. This means that even when the suffering is great, it will still be worked together for good, and that means we never have to suffer in vain. I’m not sure about you but I believe this promise is a key to how we could even consider the command found in James 1.
James 1:2-4 NLT
2 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
I believe they only way we can consider trials as an opportunity for joy is when we know the truth that even the suffering will be worked together for good. For me, it makes the trial, though difficult and painful at times, a blessing because I can consider that on the other side of this I will be stronger,and have more testimony to share which is what makes us OVERCOMERS!
Revelation 12:11 (AMP)
11 And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony
I am really learning this year that to be positioned as an overcomer in Christ, it is absolutely imperative that I trust the Lord.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
He has really shown me that when I lay my understanding down at His feet and I seek Him for what He is up to, that is when I will be in step with the Holy Spirit with my very thoughts and actions in agreement with the Father’s Heart. It is in this place I can ask and receive according to His will. It is in this place I will find that all things are possible.
When we have surrendered our understanding and placed all of our trust in Him, admitting our total dependance upon Him, we are positioned to take authority and start overcoming as a co-laborer with Christ anything that is holding us or our loved ones back from everything God created us for!
James 4:10 NLT
10 When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.
See all of this came by simply thinking upon one promise in His Word that I have hidden in my heart. This is the kind of rabbit-trail I’m thankful for! Would you please consider joining me in memorizing scripture verses so we all can be having more of these divinely inspired rabbit-trailing thought patterns? I would love to hear yours!
Psalm 119:11 NLT
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Lord Jesus, I love you! Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for your Love and how constant everything about You is. I know I can trust You. So I declare right now, I trust You with my life: my present, my past, and my future. Lord, thank You that You will work everything together for good. Thank You that I can overcome anything with You. Thank You for continuing to expand my testimony of Your goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and gentleness upon me. You are worthy of ALL glory, honor, and praise FOREVER! I love You Lord! It is in Jesus’ name I pray! Amen!
layeredhearts 
Amen girl! Thank you for your words, whether in this blog or in person… They always seem to come at the most perfect time. You inspire me!
thanks Jenni! I’m so thankful God put our lives together!
What a beautiful statement of surrender! Thank you for this. The Scripture verses and your testimony were just what I needed today.
I am so thankful the Lord uses the internet so that body of Christ can encourage one another! He is so wonderful and has thought of everything! =) Praise His Holy Name!!!!!!!!!!!