Imagine dining at a luxurious restaurant. The table is served with tablecloths, fine cutlery and glassware. The waiter hands you a dish with a touch of elegance. In the middle of that exquisite porcelain plate there is only one marshmallow. Instead of receiving a delicious meal, they just give you a fluffy treat.

If we are not careful, our life can resemble that disappointing meal. Instead of being believers with a hope-filled message, we may find ourselves with nothing to offer other than a little sweetness.

Whereas, if the Lord is building a valuable message in our lives, we must receive everything that is presented to us with the assurance that He is in control. When something bad happens to us, God will always bring something good out of it. A person is more likely to be able to share words of hope more effectively if he or she has known pain (1 Corinthians 1:3-5). When we suffer, we seek comfort from those who have faced something similar. Likewise, others will rely on our comfort if we have suffered in the same manner.

Whatever the circumstances, we must evaluate what God is doing in us. When we seek His purposes and His teachings, our message of the hope found in Christ will be on constant display for others to see.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, regardless of the circumstances, let me seek your purpose and teachings for my life. May my life be a message that reflects the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ, Amen.

1.      Job 23:10-14 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Rosina N.