Adversi-TEA

But in our trouble God has comforted us—and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings. He will give you the strength to endure.

(2 Corinthians 1:6-7, TLB)

Some cuppas in life, no matter how needful, are hard to take or ingest. So, the question is, "Why so many cuppas in life----which we had rather not sip?" 

Today's Streams in the Desert entry answered that question. Needful cups of adversi-TEA, often overflowing with suffering, prepare our hearts to share with others when they go through similar trials. A new cancer diagnosis can turn one toward a cancer survivor friend for understanding comfort. Being on the same side of the suffering adds validity to her words.

"They have watched the lamp of life's silver cord slowly unravel. They have seen the golden bowl of joy smashed at their feet, and its contents spilled.

So suffering is rough and hard to bear; but it hides beneath it----discipline, education, and possibilities, which not only leave us nobler, but perfect us to help others. Do not fret, or set your teeth, or wait doggedly for the suffering to pass; but get out of it all you can, both for yourself and for your service to your generation,......" (Streams, December 10)

And His grace will be sufficient,

When your heart is pierced with pain.

Will you live to bless His loved ones,

Tho’ your life be bruised and torn,

Like the bird that sang so sweetly,

With its heart against a thorn? (Ibid, p.460)

May one's cuppa adversi-TEA go down a little easier as one considers all the possibilities of benefit to others.

Tea Choice: uncertain-TEA? certain-TEA?

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me: Your steadfast love, O Lord endures forever; Do not forsake the work of Your hands. (Psalm 138:8, ESV)

Uncertainty! Isn't that what life is full of? These days uncertainty seems to be the status quo. Many folks "sip" it daily. Sips might be the norm, but continuous gulping of uncertain-TEA can result in fear. One needs to remember the Lord and His faithfulness. One needs to be careful.......not sinking into a fear-induced despair.
Recently I have tried to "manage" the blows of life with a "bootstrap" mentality.
Pulling self up......Getting a grip.......Rather than fully relying on the Lord and His Word.

As the psalmist called upon the Lord, I should also cry out to Him and await His answer, allowing Him to increase the strength of my soul. (138:3) Then, I, too, can wait in an expectation of certainty as the Lord fulfills His purpose for me.

Certain-TEA, a tea sweetened by His love, to be savored with HIm.

“That’s for sure”……..

7/3/11 "That's for sure"……..3 words that were a big part of Daddy’s vocabulary. His confident response to so many things. Lately, I find myself confident in very little---second guessing nearly everything. Nothing much seems “for sure.” Circumstances change. People change. Even my mood can change without warning.

But God….He’s for sure. The real deal. His Word is for sure. Truth I can count on.

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

This is my “for sure” verse for today. One that can not only judge my thoughts but wipe away the cobwebs of yesterday and strengthen my heart for today.