"The blessing of His presence"

"Most people would say that persevering through a problem made them a better person, but one must make a conscious choice to see it as an opportunity to grow instead of allowing a bitter root to take over. You have to want to see the blessing of it."



"Job 38:1 says, 'The the Lord answered Job out of the storm.'


God did not wait until after the storm was over to speak. In the midst of it he answered. I wonder if just the blessing of his presence is something we are to learn through the trials. If he is present with us, then grace is present. I've missed living with that truth, as sometimes I just focus on the difficult circumstance I'm facing. But I know if I take my eyes off myself and seek him, I'll find him there in the midst of my storm." (p. 174)

This is a quote from Eric Irivuzumugabe a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In a period of roughly 100 days, over 1 million people in his tribe were killed. That's about 10,000 people murdered every day!

Eric was left an orphan with two younger brothers to care for. His book, My Father, Maker of the Trees, describes how he survived the genocide and the wonderful way God has worked in his heart since then to bring healing. I was amazed by several things in this book, not the least of which is how God has helped Eric forgive and reconcile with his countrymen. His is a testimony of how God enables us to do that which seems impossible.

Love your enemies? With God all things are possible!