Great Bitterness, an Asset

Behold, it was for my welfare
    that I had great bitterness;

                       Isaiah 38:17

God does not intend to harm us by the things He sends are way; not by the opposition and sin of others, not by the painful results incurred by our own sin or stupidity, not by the distress of living in a degraded culture, not by natural causes, not even the frailty of my body. All things, including that which gives us great bitterness, work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose, to conform us to the image of His Son. When people see us, God wants them to see Jesus. 

To be like Jesus
To be like Jesus
All I ask- to be like Him
All through life's journey
From earth to glory
All I ask- to be like Him.

Dear Father, Help me not resent the hard things you bring into my life. Help me to be your Word, that they are for my good.  Help me to become more like Jesus every day.