Psalm 119:71-72

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.”

Across the years of my life I have experienced affliction. I know what it is to lose health, wealth and most of all precious family members who have gone to be with the Lord. Loss is a fact of humanity that will linger all through our life.

While loss is a certainty that we will encounter, how we respond to the particular afflictions is up to us. We can howl and moan, making everyone around us miserable, or we can allow the seed of affliction grow into the flower God intends for us to produce.

Jesus suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane to produce the flower of life to all who receive His gift. We need to recognize the reality that we have the privilege to spread the bouquet of His blessing with those around us.

My prayer is continually that the Lord will use me. I want the obstacles I encounter in His garden to become stepping stones leading to beautiful flowers that are produced in the midst of suffering and affliction! Walk in His garden with joy!

Blessings dear hearts! Walk with God today and be a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil