Pastor's message

So I've still been thinking about Pastor's message on Sunday entitled Burden or Blessing. It was such a good sermon for me to hear. I me really how often do we stop and think about why "difficulties" come into our lives? James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure JOY whenever you face trials of many kinds for you know the testing of your faith develops patience, and patience must finish it's work so that you will be mature" (that's my paraphrased version) And in, I believe, 1 Cor. says that the Lord give us comfort when we go through difficult times so that we might help comfort others when they go through similar difficulties. Ok so when was the last time you (and I) thought about difficulties that way...."I know God will give me the strength to get through this...I am to be joyful for the maturity this is bring to my spiritual walk....I am thankful God will us me as a blessing to someone else's life to help them get through....(fill in the blank). I have to say I am so guilty of think....why is this is my life...God don't I serve you, I try to walk according to the bible....Etc. Shame on ME! I have asked God to forgive me for thinking so much like the world and falling short of glorifying Him. I say this to encourage you, whatever it might be you are going through thank God for it and us it to HIS glory. This is been such a constant reminder...Sunday's sermon, talking to Lorrie throughout this week, Mr. Shear reminding us a choir tonight and it was left as an away message on a friend (who is at school at BBC) of mine's IM. So is this something God is trying to teach me...I would sure think so. I hope you find this a good reminder to you. COUNT IT ALL JOY!!! Preserver in trials.....PRAISE GOD!!!!