The undiminished radiance, which is the result of abundant joy, is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can change. And the experiences of life, whether they are everyday events or terrifying ones, are powerless to “separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

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March 7, 2012

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, I can remember over the years reading and hearing these kinds of scriptures all my life: scriptures that told me that I am victorious, even though living in the middle of very difficult times. I can recall reading scriptures that told me I should rejoice while going through trials, and not to try and get out of them too early. And I just read that we are more than conquerors even when facing trials, troubles, hardships, and even death.

Lord, I must admit, that over the years, when I would read these scriptures, and they all sound wonderful, high and noble, try as I might, I could not truly comprehend the real meaning until I lived them.

And God says…”Your very human nature is to seek pleasure, and avoid pain. Your first inclination, when confronted with a trial or difficulty, or failure to find the pleasure and peace you sought on your own terms, is to seek an immediate solution. It is not a part of your makeup to simply look at your circumstance and say to yourself…”I wonder how God will use this trial…..and victory (whatever shape it takes) for others and myself?”….”I wonder how this will be used by God for my ultimate benefit and His honor and glory?”

“However, you have learned and are learning that over time, as you stay connected to Me, you do not need freedom from trials, and wonderful worldly circumstances to find true happiness, and peace that passes understanding. You are learning that you do not need to control all your circumstances (or any of them) in order to find
life and life more abundantly.”

“You are being taught this, by the Holy Spirit, as you live right in the middle of difficult times and stay focused on Me. As you live this way, (not in spite of your trials but because of them) your life and the lives of others are being transformed, and you are discovering  super natural victory and peace that is lived.”