Past, Present, Future trials... turmoil or His Glory?

There has been many a day in the past when I have come to the table to eat. But, in doing so, giving thanks in the form of tears and pain and unworthiness.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

As I said my grace this morning, I was reminded of the past that I had lived. I was a man badly broken, severely chastened (Ps. 118), pressed against the threshing floor, pruned of all the bad fruit... only so He could complete the good work that He had begun in me.

I humbly look at my past w/ thanksgiving for who was with me when I was at my weakest point... only to find out that was when I was the strongest I have ever been. Faith in Jesus was my only hope and there is where I rested. Though I speak of praise, I am not exempt of the feelings of being oppressed and defined by those around me.

Do I forgive them. God instructs us to forgive 7 x 70 which means to forgive forever. I can leave the judgement to Him.

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44). Instead of reacting in a nasty way, we can let it go and respond for praying for them... ultimately, giving it all up unto the Lord. Ya see? I cannot condemn them. If I can say that God has great plans for me... what about them. We are for the sinners, if we accept that Jesus is for the sinner.

The work of satan and his craftiness is at work, therefore I cannot condemn another person for their wrong doing, can I? God doesn't want us correcting the prideful man lest he will hate us. So just let it go and pray for those who curse at you.

What was meant for evil against you, God meant it for good (ref. Genesis 50:20)

In all that happens to us can bear us down into deep depressions, but The LORD is near to all who call on him, (Ps 145:18). When we put our trust in Him in those bad times we go through, He can cover us w/ His peace- which surpasses all understanding. He increases our faith in the trials He puts us through.