by Hazel Straub
Seasons mark our life with variety, filled with joy, celebration, trials, sadness, and hope. When it seems that we experience the bitter, God always gives us his sweet love and mercy. If we experience health challenges, we cry out to him and the sweetness of his comforting healing presence, envelops us. Our relationships may crumble, when friends leave us, the sweetness of close friendship with Jesus counters the bitter. Losing one’s job and experiencing provision from unexpected sources, show the bitter with the sweet of God My Provider. Even bitter herbs, improve digestion, calm inflammation and bring healing.
Although the pressure might be severe, it causes the character of Jesus to develop. Diamonds are formed under great pressure and pearls form from irritants. Rejoice, the bitter works for your good and makes you beautiful inside and outside, so Jesus shines from you!
Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4 MSG)
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