Thought Provoking

I read this in a devotional that my mom gave me for Christmas and I just thought I would share it with all 4 of you that read my blog..... :O)

Dear Jesus,
Although I often pray for Your will to be done, at times I'm fearful of what this may involve, I know that Your will sometimes includes pain. When I'm hurting physically, emotionally,spiritually-- I search for ways to relieve or escape my pain. This easily becomes my focus, as I obsess about how to solve my problems. Help me really believe that YOUR WAY IS PERFECT.

Beloved, this is a good request, but the answer will not be easy. It is natural that you want to minimize pain. However, natural responses are often not the best. In My Word I continually call to you to transcendent living: going above and beyond what is natural to what is supernatural. My will is far deeper than your understanding. Though My ways may entail sacrifice and pain, I accomplish through them not just what is good for you-but what is best.
Beneath the surface of this life-completely beyond your awareness-there are countless interconnections of people and events. Things that appear senseless to you make perfect sense when you can view the total picture. Occasionally I may give My followers glimpses of the big picture, to strengthen and encourage them. Generally, though, I call My people to LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT. Sometimes that will be frightening: like diving into water so deep that is seems bottomless. You need utter trust in Me to push through your fear into those unknown depths. After diving in , though, your buoyant body will gradually rise to the surface. You keep swimming till you're exhausted. When you can go on no longer, you begin to sink. However, just before your head goes under, your feet touch something solid! You realize My hands are beneath your feet. I am your refuge and dwelling place; underneath are the everlasting arms.

As for God, his way is perfect.....He is a shield for all who
take refuge in him. 2 Samuel 22:31

We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath
are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27 (AMP)