The Struggle is Real, So is the Blessing: Finding Beauty in Your Ashes 'Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ' Romans 5:3-4 Once you endure your current struggle, you will have hope to help you through future struggles that come your way.  'I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. ' Philippians 4:12 NIV Finances '“As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first, make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” For this is what the Lord , the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’ ” For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. ' 1 Kings 17:10-16 NIV Sometimes we fail to appreciate the blessing of just enough.  We are blessed more than we realize.  Stop comparing your level of blessing to the perceived blessing of someone else.   'And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ' Philippians 4:19 Companion: a person who is frequently in the company of, associates with, or accompanies another Tragedy 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ' Psalms 34:18 NIV During a tragedy can be the hardest time to see blessings, but they are there. Detours ' The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. ' Proverbs 16:9 ESV TobyMac - Move (Keep Walkin’) I know your heart been broke again (oh-oh-oh) I know your prayers ain't been answered yet (oh-oh-oh) I know you're feeling like you got nothing left Well, lift your head, it ain't over yet, ain't over yet, so Keep walkin', soldier keep movin' on (Move) Keep walkin', until the mornin' comes (Move) Keep walkin', soldier keep movin' on And lift your head, it ain't over yet, ain't over yet TobyMac - Help is on the Way I've lived enough life to say Help is on the way Sometimes it's days Sometimes it's years Some face a lifetime of falling tears But He's in the darkness He's in the cold Just like the morning, He always shows It may be midnight or midday It's never early, never late He gon' stand by what He claim No matter what you're facing today, God has not forgotten you. As you remain faithful and obedient, so will he. He will not leave you or forsake you. Keep moving, keep putting one foot in front of the other. You ARE going to make it!  And make sure you look for the joy in the journey, it's there.  _________________________________ Have you made a commitment to follow Jesus?  Decision Form Read the Bible with us, July Reading Plan