Facing fiery trials is part of our Christian life, and yet we must be reminded of Peter’s words very often:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” I Peter 4: 12

Today is Gratitude Monday in this blog, and I want to thank the Lord, with tears in my eyes, for my sisters in Christ who are going through trials and are enduring faithfully and patiently. I admire each one of you* and praise God for your faithfulness. You are an example to me and I continually keep you in my prayers.

(#1389- 1396)

Lord, thank you for the hope of your coming. Help us to wait patiently until we see your face.

Thank you for each one of my friends who endure trials with a humble heart.

Thank you, Father, for my sister, who recognizes that even the hardest providences are providences of love.

Thank you for my friend Trisha, who in the midst of many losses, acknowledges that your grace is all sufficient.

Thank you for my friend who is struggling with her health; and at the same time battles against the flesh because she does not want to sin against you in the midst of her trials.

Thank you for friends who are struggling and suffering, but do not raise their voices against you.

Thank you for my sisters in a far away land who suffer persecutions. Lord, have mercy on them. Hear their cry, and help them stand firm.

Thank you for those women, saints who have gone before us and have endured hardships, losses, and trials, but have never denied your name.

Thank you for their example. O how they bless the church when with their works, they show their living faith.

Thank you for ______________, you know her name; Lord. She reads these words of mine today and loves your ways. She is going through a hard and bitter providence but keeps a quiet spirit and a humble heart. Lord, strengthen her faith today and help her to keep her eyes fixed on you.

Humbly, giving thanks…

Becky

*For the sake of prudence I am not mentioning all my sisters in Christ whose trials are many; but you know who you are and how much I love you and pray for you.