08/15/2007
Psalm 119:71 – 72 (NIV)
It was good for me
to be afflicted
So that I might learn Your decrees.
The law from Your mouth is more precious to me
Than thousands of pieces of silver
and gold.
Have you ever known an athlete to engage in a sport without training first? Can anyone participate in a decathlon without intense preparation?
Your faith is the same way. Have you ever considered that things that seem to go wrong in your life are there as a means to strengthen you? Have you ever known someone who helped you through a tough situation? God wants your faith to grow and be strengthened. We are reminded in Romams 8:28, that God works in all things to bring about good. Even things that seem to be bad, God will take that situation to make you stronger.
Also consider this. Can a person who has never had cancer relate to a person dealing with the disease? How much better can one cancer patient relate to another? Have you ever considered that perhaps your affliction was given to you so that you could relate to another person in a similar situation? And perhaps God wants you to help that person grow and strengthen their faith.
Someday, you may be the one helping someone else through a tough situation. Remember also these words from the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:10 “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
So when something happens in your life, do not think God has abandoned you. This is your opportunity to grow your faith!
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2007 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
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