DO YOU REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED??

Faith Filled Thoughts
August 18th, 2008
By Connie Ciccone
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DO YOU REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED??


Scripture: Romans 8:18 "The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Every item that we enjoy and every object of beauty that we behold has suffered through a time of intense preparation. The olive must be pressed to produce oil and the rose petal must be bruised to bring forth a fragrant perfume. The dough must be kneaded and sent to a hot oven to produce bread and the sculpture or woodcarving must be cut and chipped with a sharp instrument. Precious gold must be heated, melted, and formed and the diamond must be cut. The moth must be imprisoned in a lonely dark cocoon to become a beautiful butterfly and a child is brought forth from the womb through much labor and pain In all of these we see that adversity and suffering produces a glorious result.

Our lives are much the same. The soul that has never known lack can never truly be full, for self sufficiency never appreciates the gift of God's mercy and grace. It is through suffering bruises and pain that we come to know and understand God's marvelous love. It is through our hardships and crushed spirits that a depth of compassion is created within our souls. Afflictions become our personal trainer, for our own sorrows enable us to comfort others in their sorrow. Our lack shows us the importance of sharing with others and our illnesses cause us to know their pain. Our mistakes become revelations that help us to teach others the virtues of wisdom and the importance of waiting for the appropriate time. The disappointments and broken hearts that we experience help us to understand the tears and heartaches of others and give birth to moving songs.

You must never be discouraged or allow your patience to be exhausted in your present suffering, for there will never be a harvest in your life without rain and heat or a birth without pain and labor. The Lord sees your situation and the trying of your faith is very precious in His eyes. You must wait upon Him and allow Him to complete His plan in your life. You can trust God's word and be assured that you will reap if your strength does not fail. And when all the trials are finished, you will discover that your present sufferings were not worthy to be compared to the glory that is destined to be revealed in you.
May He Bless You and Keep You Today!

With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie




“ I Refuse To Be Discouraged"

By Connie Ciccone

I refuse to be discouraged,To be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why . . .

I have a God who's mighty,Who's sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me,and I am on His team.

He is all wise and powerful,Jesus is His name;
Though everything is changeable,My God remains the same.

My God knows all that's happening;Beginning to the end,
His presence is my comfort,He is my dearest friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me,To bring my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God;Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threatento rob me from my peace;
He draws me close unto His breast,Where all my strivings cease.

And when my heart melts within me,and weakness takes control;
He gathers me into His arms,He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me,My life is in His hand,
The "Son of the Lord" is my hope,It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated,My eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me,as through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances,To Heaven's throne above;


Connie Ciccone © May 2004