Light at the End of the Tunnel

Things are coming together. I only have a few more things to finish in the bathroom.
The appliance man came this afternoon and installed my new dishwasher.
I was able to pick up my car today. It is now running without any problems.
I found cleats for my little sweetie on sale.
I am teaching Kids Church this month. Always a ton of fun!!
It is always amazing how quickly things can change.

I was reading a scripture and devotion today that really spoke to me.

2 Corinthians 12:10 - That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

It seems like the theme of my life these past few months. There have been so many tests, trials and difficulties that the Lord has been using to teach me and to purge me of some "stuff" that I just don't need in my life. I have been learning to stand up for myself, to rely totally on God and so much more. The thing that struck me about the verse is the word "delight". I wouldn't say that I have been delighting in what has been going on but as I look back I can absolutely see Gods hand of providence, protection, provision and purpose.

Here is an exerpt from the devotion. I thought someone else might need to it today as well.

*The literal translation of this verse adds a startling emphasis to it, allowing it to speak for itself with power we have probably never realized. It is as follows: "Therefore I take pleasure in being without strength, being insulted, experiencing emergencies, and being chased and forced into a corner for Christ's sake; for when I am without strength, I am dynamite."
The secret of knowing God's complete sufficiency is in coming to the end of everything in ourselves and our circumstances. Once we reach this point, we will stop seeking sympathy for our difficult situation or ill treatment, because we will recognize these things as the necessary conditions for blessings. We will then turn from our circumstances to God, realizing they are the evidence of Him working in our lives. (A.B. Simpson) (Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman)*

SO much to think about!! I am walking in the blessings of God even if I can't see them yet. SO thankful to the Lord for all that He is doing in me and in my family.