The Day Before

2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

It is the day before the big event here in Tacoma. Andy goes on trial tomorrow. The last minute preparations are underway. It has taken 16 months to finally arrive at this point. The comforting presence of the Lord has sustained us all through this ordeal.

It is a day of reflection for me. I have the opportunity to sit back this morning and think over all that has transpired. I had a wonderful dinner with Andy and his friend, a fine Christian lady. It was an opportunity to relax for awhile and remember times that were better for all of us. Do not make the mistake of jumping to the conclusion that it was all a bowl of noodle salad ( to borrow a line from "As Good As It Gets). There were difficulties. Some big and some small. But the important aspect to remember is what popped up in my reading yesterday. Romans 5:3-5 More that that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.  Through all of the difficulties in life that may present themselves to us we are comforted with the sure and certain knowledge that there is a purpose, a reason, and most importantly love that runs through each and every aspect of our lives. The mantra of suffering-endurance-character-hope is one to hold close to our hearts. Think back if you will to a time when you endured a crisis (suffering if you will.) There were lessons to be learned, opportunities to grow in faith and knowledge. And more than likely you have been presented with an opportunity later on to share the love of God with someone else you encounter in your life who is struggling with a similar crisis. The is a reason and a purpose of what takes place. I have endured sufferings what were not of my choice. But through the whole of the experience I was able to grasp onto the grace of God, that love of God given by the Holy Spirit, that saw me through some very dark times. There was a light at the end of every tunnel, the light of Jesus Christ to walk towards. There will always be that light to walk towards in times of darkness. Let us all not forget that truth.

PRAYER: Lord God, Heavenly Father, You sent Your son to die for us. And for that we all are literally eternally grateful. Grant us the peace, Your peace that surpasses all understanding in times of suffering. Help us O Lord to keep our faith strong. This we ask in the strong name of Jesus Christ, who with the Father and the Spirit are one God, now and forever. Amen