Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress.—Psalm 4:1KJV |
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Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress.—Psalm 4:1KJV This verse is one of the greatest testimonies ever written regarding the effectiveness of God's work on our behalf during times of crisis. It is a statement of thanksgiving for having been set free not from suffering but rather through suffering. In stating, "Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress," the psalmist is declaring that the sorrows of life have themselves been the source of life's enlargement. Haven't each of us experienced this a thousand times and found it to be true? Someone once said of Joseph that when he was in the dungeon, And the strength of iron is exactly what he needed, for earlier he had only experienced the glitter of gold.He had been rejoicing in youthful dreams, and dreaming actually hardens the heart. Someone who sheds great tears over a simple romance will not be of much help in a real crisis, for true sorrow will be too deep for him. We all need the iron in life to enlarge our character. The gold is simply a passing vision, whereas the iron is the true experience of life. The chain that is the common bond uniting us to others must be one of iron. The common touch of humanity that gives the world true kinship is not joy but sorrow —gold is partial to only a few, but iron is universal. Dear soul, if you want your sympathy for others to be enlarged, you must be willing to have your life narrowed to certain degrees of suffering. Joseph's dungeon was the very road to his throne, and he would have been unable to lift the iron load of his brothers had he not experienced the iron in his own life. Your life will be enlarged in proportion to the amount of iron you have endured, for it is in the shadows of your life that you will find the actual fulfillment of your dreams of glory. So do not complain about the shadows of darkness —in reality, they are better than your dreams could ever be. Do not say that the darkness of the prison has shackled you, for your shackles are wings —wings of flight into the heart and soul of humanity. And the gate of your prison is the gate into the heart of the universe. God has enlarged you through the suffering of sorrow's chain. ~GEORGE MATHESON If Joseph had never been Egypt's prisoner, he would have never been Egypt's governor. The iron chain that bound his feet brought about the golden chain around his neck. |
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Your Turn It might seem like sufferingand pain are pointless, butthat is not truein the Kingdom of God. Trusting in the Lord through trials and strain strengthens and builds us in our souls and character just like going to the gym builds our muscles! Come share your thoughts with us. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily |
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Share this devotion with someone who needs it today. |
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Timeless truth from L.B. Cowman - SAVE 30% - Healing Water for the Soul |
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Hardcover: $21.99
Sale Price: $15.39 (30% off) ebook price: $10.99 + FREE shipping on orders over $35 |
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Life is full of difficult seasons, loss, and hardships. To overcome the struggles and pain, we must lean into reassurance, guidance, and wisdom to heal. Healing Water for the Soul is a compilation of life changing devotionals from L. B. Cowman's Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley. Each entry speaks into God's purpose, plan, and promise to you. In this edition, you'll find: - 366 devotions that appeal to men and women of all ages
- devotions that can be read as a yearlong daily devotional or as a 6-month morning and evening resource
- a powerful collection of meditations, Christian writings, and Scripture
Healing Water for the Soul will challenge you to: - identify opportunities of hope and renewal in your life
- accept and appreciate God's timeless messages of faithfulness
- create a strong level of communication with the Lord
- meditate over the truths and wisdom presented by Cowman, and identify how you can grow
With a gorgeous modern cover, Healing Water for the Soul is a great gift for: - birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations, and holiday gifting
- Teacher Appreciation Day, Grandparent's Day, and Pastor's Appreciation Day
- a friend or family member coping with grief, growing their relationship with God, and/or going through a difficult time
This daily devotional can help you or a loved one overcome challenging times and renew their hope and faith. |
More great reads from L.B. Cowman |
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| Everyone goes through difficult seasons, tough losses, and moments that feel unbearable. In today's world, people thirst more than ever for reassurance and guidance. Streams in the Desert provides a river of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration to weary travelers. |
Italian Duo-Tone was $19.99 Sale $10.99 (45% off) |
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| In this beautiful updated package, Springs in the Valley will continue to offer refreshment and joy to the thirsty traveler through God's Word and L. B. Cowman's lilting prose and poetry. Cowman shares cool draughts of wisdom and insight into God's character, drawn from the Scriptures and purified through a lifetime of experience. In print for more than 60 years, this beloved daily devotional challenges readers on the themes of hope and renewal. |
Softcover was $9.99 Sale $5.49 (45% off) |
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