Making It Count For The Kingdom

A friend of mine called me on the phone today... I could hear so much sadness in her voice. I could tell that she did not want to go into detail about what was wrong - so I did not ask... What I did learn was that each family member was battling their own wars..... I wish I had the words or the power to take away her pain... I wish that this sweet and gentle friend's life was filled with constant joy and no sorrows..... But I got the feeling that is not what she wants..... I believe that in everything - good and bad.... My friend... my sweet dear friend is glorifying God with her actions and words... She told me today that "This too will pass".... She will use this lesson.. this sadness.. this challenge and she will make it count.... Make it count for God's Kingdom.. For God's Glory.. because that is the kind of woman she is.... The kind of woman I want to be...

Dear Friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you many be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:12-16