Unexpected Blessings

Sometimes, life does not go the way that we planned.  People disappoint us, plans fail, things break down.  Sometimes it seems to happen all at once.  Ever had a weekend where multiple things break and nothing seems to go the way that you planned?  A weekend where you feel on your first day back to work that you have been working really hard, but have nothing to show for it but the list of things you still have to do?  I am learning that in the midst of these kinds of days or weeks there are blessings to be found.  The blessing of people coming alongside of you to help you through the struggle.  The blessing of people willing to share their struggles in order to encourage you in yours.  I find it fascinating that in my life I tend to stop counting blessings when I am blessed the most, but when I am struggling, every blessing matters.  Perhaps this is why James tells us in chapter 1 verse 2, "Count it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials. . ."  He goes on to describe the process God uses to mature us - using trials to build endurance to make us perfect and complete.  God's plan for your perfection involves the use of difficult circumstances to grow you into the likeness of His Son.  This is one of the great unexpected blessings of being a Christian.  I do not have to despair because even the worst day of my life is being used for the glory of God. 

So the next time you are having a bad day, do not simply try to ignore it and get past it, but give thanks FOR it.  Seek the blessings in the midst of all of the pain and together we can give glory to our great God who helps grow us through the difficulty He allows and even orchestrates for us to face.  To God be the glory, even in our pain.