Pressed But Not Crushed: Finding Gratitude in Adversity
Last week was World Thanksgiving Day, but I am still feeling grateful to God for His goodness and faithfulness. Maybe it's because I had filled my year with so much nagging, complaining, and questioning of God's goodness amid adversity.
A Year of Unexpected Challenges
Some had recently asked me to describe my year in one word, I said "extraordinary" because the events were unexpectedly extraordinary.
My family began the year with unexpected debt, which cost us our only valuable property. This threw us into unexpected crises and constant conflicts, testing our resilience and faith. The days were filled with tears and pains, and the enemy sought to steal our joy, but God's goodness prevailed.
Finding Strength in God's Goodness
I am praising God today, not because my year was perfect, but because the Lord held me throughout the trials and tribulations. I am praising God because His mercies said no to the enemy, and His goodness gave me the strength to persevere in adversity.
A Psalm of Thanksgiving
Psalm 124 MSG says: "If God hadn't been for us... we would have been swallowed alive by their violent anger... swept away by the flood of rage... We've flown free from their fangs, free of their traps, free as a bird." It depicts the overwhelming seasons I experienced during the year, and how God's goodness helped me navigate them.
Reflections on God's Faithfulness
When David spoke of "the flood," my mind went to the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea, surrounded by enemies. And here was God, doing what He does best - showing up and turning things around amid adversity.
As the psalmist said, "If the Lord had not been on my side, the enemy would have stolen my health." What about you? What are you most grateful for in 2024? Any miracle is a miracle, no matter how small, and it's a testament to God's goodness and faithfulness.
The year seemed tough, but what if the Lord wasn't on our side? What if the Lord wasn't in the picture? Do you think the enemy would have allowed the "little joy that transcends your soul"? The enemy tried to steal your joy, but the Lord said No!
I feel so much alive, like a bird, as I reflect on God's goodness and the many times He came through amid adversity.
Indeed, what if the Lord had shut His eyes as we thought?
What are you most grateful for?
Stay Revived!
By Guest writer.
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