Tag: Jesus Christ

Hardship Builds Character

“A noted scientist, observing that the early sailors believed the coral-building animals instinctively built up the great reefs of the Atoll Islands in order to protect themselves in the inner waterway, has disproved this belief. He has shown these organisms can only live and thrive facing the open ocean in the highly oxygenated foam of the combative waves.

It is commonly thought that a protected and easy life is the best way to live. Yet the lives of all the noblest and strongest people prove exactly the opposite and that the endurance of hardship is the making of the person. It is the factor that distinguishes between merely existing and living a vigorous life. Hardship builds character.”

~ from Streams in the Desert, January 13th

Yet I am so thankful to God, who always marches us to victory under the banner of the Anointed One; and through us He spreads the beautiful fragrance of His knowledge to every corner of the earth. – 2 Corinthians 2:14

It is so difficult to believe this and to take it to heart, much less to live like we believe it! I know that I, for one, would LOVE an easy, comfortable life. But that is not always what is best for us. Many times God would have us to go through trials in order to build our character, and to make us into the people that He wants us to be.

So today, regarding that difficult situation, trying person, or hurtful experience that you (and I!) want to lament and resist…let us make an attempt to accept the circumstance as an opportunity from God to grow. I think that we will be amazed by how He assists us and rewards us for our efforts! ❤

Photo Credit: Unknown

Blessings to You!

A profitable meeting at DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) regarding possible job training opportunities. A lovely dinner gathering with great friends around a table of yummy food. And an enjoyable time at church handbell practice, during which I met two goals: have fun, and be “okay” with making mistakes.

Yesterday was a good day! And I have a lot to be grateful for. 🙂

Thank you to anyone who has sent prayers and/or positive thoughts my way. They are much appreciated! And I would just ask that you would continue to pray that I would remain grateful and hopeful during the difficult times, as well.

Blessings to you! ❤

Photo Credit: Liane Metzler / Edited By: Me

From Tears of Hurt to Tears of Joy

I hate my weaknesses. I hate my infirmities. I hate the areas in which I struggle, the areas in which I fall short, the areas in which I fail. I want to be in control. I want to be able to take care of myself. I don’t want to mess up. I want to be perfect.

It’s a constant tension. Trying to do things on my own, or letting go and relying on God. Getting upset and angry when I fall short, or trying to be thankful for and accepting of God’s grace. Does anyone else have this struggle?

I read something in 31 Days of Praise today that, truthfully, made me angry at first. I’ll share it with you:

“Thank You (God) that I can trust You to remove or change any of my weaknesses and handicaps and shortcomings the moment they are no longer needed for Your glory, and for my good, and for the good of other people…and that in the meantime, Your grace is sufficient for me, for Your strength is made perfect in my weakness.”

Now I know these points are true, but it certainly doesn’t seem like God wants to remove or change my weaknesses and handicaps and shortcomings. The anxiety and depression have been going on for over fifteen years–isn’t that long enough? And how exactly is He getting glory from these struggles of mine? How am I being benefited? And how are others being helped?

I guess it’s not for me to know these things. It’s just for me to trust. But it’s so damn difficult! I just want the struggles to go away!

On the other hand, I know that there are people who struggle with worse things than I do. I am still physically healthy for the most part. I have a husband, family, and friends who love me. I have food and clothing and a roof over my head. And I have hope. I have God. I have an eternity with Him.

I know–I have to believe–that some day I will look back from the other side of this trial, and I will see the good in it. How it has brought glory to God. How it has benefited me. And how it has helped others. Or maybe I won’t see until heaven.

But I CAN look back on other things in my past–things that I didn’t think I would get through–and be able to say with gratefulness that God carried me to the other side. That the difficulties made me stronger. And that although I may not have been able to help throngs of people, I was given opportunities to share what I had been through, if only to help someone else feel that they were not alone.

Even though tears stream down my face right now and they are tears of hurt and frustration, I’ve got to believe that some day I will be able to look back and there will be tears of joy.

Because that’s what my God says. And even if everything flies in the face of what He says is true, I must take Him at His Word. I must hold on to Him with all of my strength, and not let go. Because He hasn’t let go of me.

Photo Credit: Desktop Nexus