Have you had your Joy Juice
today? Even in the painful trials….maybe
especially in the painful times, we need to be consistently seeking joy in the
Lord.
Bill
Hybels writes that there are three categories of people in our world: BP, IP
and AP. Before Pain; In Pain; and After Pain.
Each of us falls into one of those categories. .
If
you are in the “Before Pain” category, you’ve been spared of tragedies and
heartaches. You know that Romans 8:28 is
a great verse and you’re sure it’s true….that in all things God works for the
good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…You
believe the words, but you have not experienced that truth, personally.
When we are “IP”, IN
PAIN , we cling to the truth in Romans 8:28 as a lifeline. Hybels says, “Our
God can redeem even the darkest of days for his purposes. Without this promise, your trials and mine
could feel overwhelming, and our pain could feel unbearable.”
But hold on…there
is the third category…AFTER PAIN. When
we’ve survived the painful trial and are beginning to heal & move forward,
Romans 8:28 becomes a treasure. I like
to call it a “Joy Jewel”. There is a
special kind of peaceful joy that comes after the pain, because we’ve seen
firsthand the truth of His words. We know that we know that He has worked
“good” from the pain. His promise is
true.
Whether you are BP, IP or AP….you can “JP” and
Joyfully Pray for the “good plan” God has for you.
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