That's an old saying, "It's an ill wind that blows no good." Meaning, of course, that even bad things sometimes bring about good. In this case, eleven out of twelve homes on our two-block street have new roofs. Homeowners are happy...new roofs paid for by insurance. Insurance companies are probably not so happy. Not just on our street, but all over town, new roofs have been going up all summer. (Our own roof was only a year old and did not sustain damage.)
Life itself is like that. We see the storms of life and often fail to see the "good" that come of it. Cancer could surely be called an "ill wind". But whether it be cancer, or stroke, or heart, or simply the vagaries of old age, we are all tested with some "storm of life" before we leave this world.
This morning I was reading in Romans 5 where Paul writes that we, as Christians, "exult in hope of the glory of God." He adds something that seems confounding to us, and something that we would rather not hear. He says that we should be exulting in the the difficulties life brings, but who wants to exult in difficulties? Let's go back to Paul's words...."we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5).
Often, when reading these verses, we might think Paul, in speaking of tribulations, is speaking of those trials and persecutions experienced by Christians at the hands of unbelievers. But tribulations are tribulations, and age and ill health are part of the tribulations of this earthly life.
It is good to remember to "exult", knowing that tribulations will bring good things to us, regardless of initial appearance.
Paul continues with a third exultation in Romans 5:11, "...we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconcilation (to God)." Through the work of Christ on the cross, we have been reconciled to God. We who were once alienated are brought back into right relationship to God. (You can read more about this reconciliation in 2 Cor. 5:17-19).
The storms of life hit everyone sooner or later. It is good to know that in the midst of the storm, God is working good on our behalf. Thanks be to God.
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