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.

"vi-TEA-mins"

O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. (Isaiah 33:2, NIV)

For physical health, my counter is lined with vitamins and supplements to be ingested daily for my well-being. Some are big and yuky but I choke them down because I "know" they are good for me.

A fatigue induced "two-cuppa" day--

Years ago, I even made sure our children had a daily dose of a multi-vitamin. Their's seemed to be tastier than mine because Josh called his Flintstone vitamins, "bi-TEA-yums." He actually "semi-overdosed" by taking more than the RDA. Such an event can be dangerous if the "chewables" contain iron. Fortunately, Josh drank almost a half a gallon of milk as he "chewed" them. The poison control center said that he would be fine because "milk binds iron. Who knew?

When asked why he did that, his reply made sense. His rationale was that if "just one bi-TEA-yum would build strong bones, the entire bottle of them would make him even stronger."

Josh had yet to learn that a vitamin's renewed strength came with only "one" daily. Spiritual vitamins dispensed from God's word are the same. One get's strength from seeking the Lord and being in His Presence daily. (Psalm 105:4) His strength--- available and renewable each day

...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31)

Pour the cuppa adversi-TEA of life at His feet during your "Tea with Thee" times. 

Refill your daily cuppa with hope in the Lord. Continual sipping is needed, especially when enriched with His vi-TEA-mins which provide His strength for the storms of life.