Toil and Trouble

So, the past week has not been the greatest. Although I'm excited to be living in the Dallas area, there have been several times of sadness and home-sickness. I've been pretty stressed about support-raising and simply going on staff with NEXT. I'm trying to get into a rhythm when it comes to being at the office, hopefully finding a place to work out, and simply the ins and outs of the Metroplex. We know that we're supposed to be here, but still...

"You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again, you will increase my greatness and comfort me again." (Psalm 71v.20-21)

Now is one of those times that I feel that I'm walking through troubles and calamities, even though my troubles haven't been all that huge, compared to what many people go through. But, I can hold fast, like David, to the promises of a God who truly does raise us up from the depths of the earth.

It is at different points in times like these when I remember that sanctification is a process, one that sometimes involves quite a deal of pain and frustration. But, in the end, it is this process that refines us, through fire, to look more and more like the awesome one we serve, Jesus Christ. How I want to look like Jesus to this world!

May His glory be seen amidst all of the struggles that we, His children, are blessed to go through.

Pax per Pugna. Soli Deo Gloria.