file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941203.txt
-------------------------------------------------------



OUR DAILY BREAD                  Saturday, December 3, 1994
---------------

READ:  Romans 8:18-30

                  THE MAKING OF YOU

      "Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to
         be conformed to the image of His Son.

                    - Romans 8:29

Scottish author George MacDonald told this story of a
woman who had experienced a great tragedy in her life:
"The heartache was so crushing and her sorrow so bitter
that the one in distress exclaimed, 'I wish I'd never
been made.'  With spiritual discernment, her friend
answered, 'My dear, you are not fully made yet; you're
only BEING made, and this is the Maker's process.'"

MacDonald wisely concluded, "We can let God take our
troubles and make out of them a garment of Christian
fortitude which will not only warm our soul but also
serve to inspire others."

This is true for all of our trials -- even when we are
being corrected by God for our sin.  The author of
Hebrews wrote, "No chastening seems to be joyful for
the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it
yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those
who have been trained by it" (Heb. 12:11).

Does it seem as though everything in life is going
against you?  As you face disillusionment, take heart!
If you're a child of God, all things are working
together for good, and He is conforming you "to the
image of His Son" (Rom. 8:28-29).  God's lessons
through trials can be the making of you!

    -- Richard W. DeHaan

 For all the heartaches and the tears,
  For gloomy days and fruitless years
   I do give thanks, for now I know
      These were the things that helped me grow.

    -- Anon

---------------------------------
      THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
---------------------------------

    God may have to break us
      in order to make us.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Romans 12-16

-----------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of
Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA.
Written permission must be obtained from RBC for any
further posting or distribution.  RBC provides a variety
of Bible resources, which are free of charge.  RBC is not
funded by any group or denomination, and support comes
voluntarily from its Members and Friends.  Write for more
information, or call 1-800-598-7221.
------------------------------------------------------------