Buckets of trouble? I keep a small army of plastic five-gallon buckets at Beech Springs for sand and salt in winter. In fall, they’re empty and neatly stacked in the garage, waiting for winter. This year, however, they were needed for the big apple harvest. Before use, I had to dump out the salt and sand, giving each bucket a good pounding to ensure it was ready for hauling apples.
Think about it. Sometimes its that way with you and I as well. We get filled up and sometimes its necessary for God to empty us out?
God’s Word: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).”
If you’re facing extremely tough times, it’s easy to become bitter. Life can feel harsh, and the more you try, the deeper you sink. But if you’re a Christian, take heart. God often uses struggles like this to shake off complacency and disrupt our everyday routines, clearing the way for a better purpose. Though it may feel like a beating, in the end, it creates space for a more open, and transformed version of you.
We pray. “Heavenly Father, when life feels bitter, overwhelming, help me remember You are at work, even in my struggles. Use these times to clear away complacency and refine me. Strengthen my faith, and create space within me for Your purpose, making me a better, more open vessel. In Jesus name. Amen.”
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)
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