Romans 12:12 – Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (RSV)

I think of the many situations where, looking back, it was obvious that something supernatural was taking place, but I didn't know at the time that it was God with me. Each situation was a stepping stone to walk with God more closely, until I committed with my whole being to be watched by God as the only way.

One day, I went to a mall looking for an article to buy, and I asked the Lord to send His angels to guide my tired steps to the right place. It was as if I were carried to the far corner of the store and to the very rack where I found myself staring at the article I wanted. It amazed me! How did I get there? All I could think of was that for God, everything is possible. Why would He bother with such a thing? For me, it means how detailed God is. I see God as having great humour!

That incident crowned my little faith in an amazing God Who is in control of all things. I have only to look at my own life to see how tribulation has entered in one way or another, how hardships and trials have become part of the journey, and how toil and labour have had an impact. I am reminded of many serious situations when I called upon the Lord to be with me or with those in dire situations. I smile a peculiar smile known only to those who walk with Jesus! The journey becomes a joy, with the zeal of thanksgiving and praise in His name! Many others have had the same or an even deeper witness of how they "got there" by the grace of God! It will be a grand time in heaven when we meet to have table talk with the host of heaven and compare notes about the Lord's goodness to us.

I think of all the years gone by and how it has been in God's plan to walk me through tough times, to guide me through the days of my blindness, and to watch over me when I thought that I had no need for being watched over. Looking back on yesteryear, I see how I acted against God in many ways. It was in God's good will to teach me that He had a safety net for me to fall into. The teaching came in ways that I did not care for but were so necessary for the old "Adam and Eve" in me. God was showing me that I was a sinner and making it clear that there was no salvation apart from His love in Jesus Christ.

I have more to learn, and more to ask forgiveness for, knowing that God will finish the work that He began in me. That is why I rejoice exceedingly. That is my thanksgiving to Almighty God who has watched and walked me to my old age.

We all have more to learn. Let us place our hope and trust in God, through Jesus Christ, Who purchased our salvation at a costly price.

Prayer: God Almighty, nothing is impossible to You! You spoke and created all that is seen and unseen. Your love sent us Jesus, and through Jesus, we are credited as righteous. We rejoice in our hope and give You thanks for each detail in our life of faith. In Jesus' name, we pray! Amen and Amen!

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About the author:

Kirsti Sipila <kirstiksipila@hotmail.com>
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
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