Earth Tones // Trials

  How do you do, readers? Today I have a new neutral outfit to share with you, as well as a devotion! Because I do a lot of talking later, I won't chatter  much in this first part of the post. ;)

   It's rare that I wear an outfit almost completely consisting of shades of brown! After some Pinterest inspiration and remembering my new Christmas gifts, however, this look slowly but surely came together. It features some fun items, and I like how it turned out.

Outfit details: Cardi ~ June; T-shirt ~ Gift; Scarf ~ Gift; Skirt ~ Consignment Store; 
Tights ~ Gift; Boot Cuffs ~ Gift; Boots ~ Ross

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   Today I want to speak to my Christian sisters who are going through trials. I don't know what you are struggling with - it could be an illness, chronic pain, depression,  a family or relationship break-up; life is full of difficult experiences. I am not an expert on suffering or suffering gracefully, but I have had a few rough spots in life and know many people who have lived through or are living through hard times as believers.

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  Trials are a normal part of life on this earth, and you should not make things worse by constantly wondering if you are being punished. Jesus promised his followers in John 16:33 that they would have tribulation and the same goes for us. Job was a just man, but God allowed Satan to do heart-breaking things to him, knowing that Job still wouldn't curse Him. Paul had more trials than you and I can hold a candle to, yet we do not wonder if God was punishing him for his sin!

  Do not worry that your problems are not going away because you don't have enough faith. Last Sunday our pastor used a great passage for a trial-related topic- it's 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. Paul begged God to take away His thorn in the flesh three times, but ended up writing "And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (verse 9). This doesn't mean the Lord doesn't want us to ask Him things. However, He has the master plan, of when and how to answer your prayers.

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  Going through trials can grow and mature us in ways nothing else can. James 1:2-4 says "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." 1 Peter 1 speaks of our blessings and position in Christ, then in verses 6-8 says^" In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love." Later in verse 10, the text is "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." 

   Suffering is part of the fallen world and  God allows his children to have pain in this life. However, it doesn't mean he has abandoned or ceased to love us. Rather, He has given us the opportunity to grow closer to Him and have a greater depth of character. This doesn't mean that we don't hurt but that we can have hope through it all. Our Lord has a purpose, and He will never leave or forsake His own (Hebrews 13:5). In closing, remember to be

"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
 1 Peter 5:7