What hardship are you experiencing?
we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:17
I seem to talk about suffering a lot.
The fact is that we all have something hard we will need to endure in this life. It may be several hard things or a continual hard thing. Suffering and hardship may be subjective and perhaps it’s all perspective. However, it remains that some things I’ve had to endure has felt difficult and so I also talk about lamenting, rejoicing, waiting on and hoping in God.
I’m thankful that, as I wait, He is working in me.
I’m choosing to rejoice in my circumstances.
Circumstances from which He hasn’t delivered me but sustained me throughout. Circumstances that have shaped and refined me. Circumstances that have enabled me to now testify that the “valley” and “wilderness” are a matter of perspective because He is with us always.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I’m not only rejoicing in the midst of my circumstances. I’m not only rejoicing to remind myself of, and praise God for, who He is and what He can do. I’m rejoicing that I am in these circumstances because He is working in them.
My testimony is this – He is always good and relentlessly loving.
I’m not waiting for my circumstances to change. I’m waiting for my heart to turn to singing. I’m waiting for Him to return, to bring an end to suffering, and make it all new. Come, Lord Jesus.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us…
Romans 8:18, 22-25
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Process and products used:
This page in my Illustrating Bible by DaySpring features the following products by Creative Worship Stamps. These are affiliate links, please see the Privacy Policy for details.
- Funky Stone Stencil
- Peace Joy Love stencil
- God is Already There Stamp Set
- Texture Tiles 13 Stamp Set
- Hope Blooms stamp set
- Skinny Caps Alpha stamp set
- Print Script Lowercase Alpha Stamp Set
This page was inspired by a mixed media card that CWS creative team member, Flora @mycreativerootscrafts, created during a recent live in the Creative Worship Stamps VIP Group on Facebook. She used different products but I stuck with inks for the most part because that’s what I had on hand.
Using the Funky Stone Stencil, I applied ink in an orange-brown colour as well as green and blue. Then, I added some words using the Peace Joy Love Stencil in grey ink. I added some pink ink using the Texture Tiles 13 and then some splatters using the blue ink. To add more texture, I used a leaf stamp from the Hope Blooms set in green and pink inks.
For the title, I stamped the phrase (about waiting) from the God is Already There set onto mixed media paper and cut it out by hand. I glued it to the page, placing some orange thread under it. The remaining words were done using the Skinny Caps Alpha and Print Script Lowercase Alpha sets. The “Listen for His voice” is from the Hope Blooms set. I finished with a prayer and highlighting of the text.
Be encouraged
🎶 Beautiful Way ~ Lauren Michelle
It’s awe-inspiring to see God at work.
Sometimes it doesn’t make sense but when we ask for His perspective, it’s amazing to see the intricacies He is working out. Look for what He is doing. Eagerly, yet patiently, wait for the unveiling. Give thanks for He is good!
