Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs
of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his
glory. Romans
8:17
The magnificent rainbow, arching over the nearby
mountains drew me outside to immerse myself in its glory. Rainbows remind me of
the God’s goodness and faithfulness.
My husband and I once stood on top of the castle tower
at Loch Ness, overwhelmed at the splendor of a rainbow ending in the water at
the base of the tower. It lacked about 50 feet from forming a complete circle. Another
time, I captured a photo of a rainbow arching gracefully over our mountain
home.
If we are in tune with God’s Spirit, alert to His
presence in every aspect of our lives, He reveals Himself in both the most glorious
and darkest of times. I have struggled with chronic pain for all of my adult
life. However, it was only a few years ago that I realized the revelation of
Himself that God offered in the midst of my worst suffering.
Philippians 3:10 in the Amplified Version, says: “ And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted
with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely]
and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which
overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of
His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness
even] to His death [dying as He did]”.
It is easy to see God
in those rainbow and sunset moments of His glory. It is far more difficult when
pain infuses my world with hopelessness. The message of Philippians 2:10 is
that Jesus Christ wants me to know Him “experientially”. If I am to comprehend “the
remarkable wonders of His Person”, I must understand the suffering He
experienced for me.
God gave rainbows as a promise
that He would never again destroy the world by flood. However, they also remind
me that I won’t be destroyed by circumstances God allows into my life. In the
struggles of cancer, illness, pain, and heartbreak, I experience what Christ
suffered on the cross, the depth of love of a God who would die for me.
In times of darkness
and despair, I look to Jesus, and know I am not alone. He understands.
Rainbows, dark clouds,
suffering, and joy reveal the amazing love of Christ, my Savior, who invites me
to fellowship with Him, to understand His promises, and to live in hope of
glory.
© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman
About the author:
Norma
Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction
Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and
poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and
in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance
Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction
Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New
Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.
Connect with
Norma:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normagailwrites/
Book Links:
Norma Gail, thank you for this lovely devotional to start the week. I'm so thankful for God's promises through rainbows. God bless.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Marilyn! Thanks for your encouragement!
DeleteWonderful post and so true.
ReplyDelete