Every Good Thing

Last year I spent some time with Brian's side of the family in Galveston. You can look at that post by clicking here. This year, we had yet another opportunity to hang out with my in laws and simply just rest. It has been something that my body was in grave need of and I am so glad I got to spend it with people that are dear to me.

During some quiet time that I had this weekend I came across this verse: "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. " James 1:17.

I thought to myself, have I ever been deceived into thinking that a gift from God is not good? Then I started thinking about how this world works. Sometimes, what we call Good, the world is now calling bad. And now what the world calls bad we as believers try to cling to it calling it Good. Have I ever been deceived?

I felt God tell me this weekend that I worry. I worry way too much and that is a struggle that I have with Him almost every day. I worry so much at times that when God gives me a good gift my carnal mind doubts and thinks "what if this is not from Him?". Yet, this verse re-assures me of my Hope in Him. Every Good thing comes from Him. Why should I fear or worry?

Corrie Ten Boom speaks in her devotional about what I am most afraid of: Suffering. Persecution, hurt. I do not ever want to get hurt. I want the gifts of God and I want to make sure they are GOOD. However, isn't suffering also from God? How can suffering be GOOD? It can be good for my soul so that God can clean/purge everything that does not produce his righteousness in me.

Then I ask myself the last question  God, how can I suffer bravely? If I really mean that I would lay my life down for you; how can I do this bravely and not as a coward?

Corrie Ten Boom helped me with my answer this weekend:

In ourselves we are not capable of suffering bravely, but the Lord possesses all the strength we lack and will demonstrate His power when we undergo persecution. It makes no difference whether we have great or little power of endurance, or none at all. For Jesus Christ it is the same"

- I will only more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2cor 12:9)

In the meanwhile, I cling to what His Word says. Every Good thing comes from Him. I am not deceived. This weekend I am thankful for my family. I cling to this Gift that could only come from Him. Enjoy these pics as much as I did taking them....