Blessed

Jesus said, “ðð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ðð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ðð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ðð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ðð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. ðð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ðð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ðð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'” –Matthew 5:3–10

ðð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð. Have you ever thought that your trials could be a blessing? James writes in James 1:12, “ðð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” I have had many trials, and I know that I am blessed. Knowing what I know now, and seeing how God has worked through my life, I wouldn’t change the road I’ve walked. I wouldn’t want to go back and bypass all the pain and heartache I have endured. It has made me who I am today. I am ð›ð¥ðžð¬ð¬ðžð and count it all joy. What ð›ð¥ðžð¬ð¬ð¢ð§ð ð¬, including those that might at first glance seem opposing or negative, are you experiencing right now? What lessons are you learning about yourself?