A favorite scripture of mine is, James 1: 2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
It truly is pure joy to face trials and hardships. I have found that the greatest miracles happen during the most challenging seasons of life when we place our faith in Christ. Suffering is not fun. But joy can come from a season of hardship. It is especially hard to watch a loved one suffer.
One of my close friends (Lori) has had serious
health problems
for many years and to make matters worse, her family has been
struggling
financially in recent years due to the economic crisis. Her
husband has worked
for a real estate investment firm for over fifteen years. But
with the economic
crisis, the real estate business is probably the worst to be
working for
presently.
Circumstances
have been
very hard for them. Yet, in the midst of her hardships, she is
a shining
example of the light found in living for Christ. Lori is a Jew
by birth, but
she found Jesus and I don't know anyone more in love with her
Messiah than she
is.
Lori's
life proves that it's during the trials of life that we get
to experience the
most amazing miracles. During the past months, their family
car has broken down
repeatedly. It's a 1993 model and has been on its last leg
for a while. Just a few weeks ago, she called to tell me her car had
broken down again.
I felt so bad for her. I wanted to let her in on a secret I knew. But I couldn't because I would spoil the BIG surprise.
Just days before her car broke down again; I received an e-mail from a mutual friend letting me know that Lori's family had been chosen to receive a car as a gift from All State and Sterling Auto Body in Decatur. To see Lori's family receiving their new car, click here.
My friend Lori has a very petite stature, but she has the faith of a giant. And in the midst of their major problems she exudes the joy of the Lord.
My joy level is through the roof! When a friend is blessed it is way better than when I am blessed. I am elated. I can't stop thanking God for this unexpected miracle. I pray that He will continue showering my friend with blessings and that He will keep using her life to show that true joy comes through a relationship with Christ.
In every storm of life there is a treasure to be found. If we look toward heaven with a grateful heart, we will most certainly see a magnificent rainbow in the sky.
Live Abundantly!
Amy
The above photograph was taken at my son's football game when another unexpected miracle happened in the form of a magnificent rainbow.
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