Daily 511

You've probably seen #blessed on t-shirts and mugs, instagram, facebook and twitter.  It's almost always in connection with a vacation photo, beautiful family photo or some victory over illness or work.  All of those are, of course, blessings.  God desires to give us every good gift.  I find it interesting, however, what Jesus says about who He considers to be blessed. If Jesus considers the people referenced in the Beatitudes as blessed, why don't we see posts with the #blessed when people post about losing a loved one (Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted) or those who are persecuted because of their faith,  or those who are poor in spirit because of a difficult trial? (Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven) I had to really think about #blessed this week as my family faced another Job moment.  Since my husband's stroke two months ago, one of the bright lights in our family has been my daughter's p...

Photo by  Zoltan Tasi  on  Unsplash God never promises an easy life, a perfect life, a life free from struggle.  In fact, he promises us the very opposite- a life with trouble. John 16:33   New International Version (NIV) 33  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome  the world.”  His promise is that He and therefore us in Him  shall OVERCOME and be VICTORIOUS.  But what does overcoming look like?  It's not a life free from illness, grief and loss. If life is perfect, there is nothing to overcome.  The dictionary has some insight into what overcome means: succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty). "she worked hard to overcome her paralyzing shyness" synonyms: get the better of, prevail over,  control , get control of, get/bring under control,  bridle ,  tame ,...