Anyone whose focus is on our Heavenly Father will be able to endure
hardship. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of
God." (Acts 14:22b, NIV2) If that doesn't occur in our lifetime,
something is amiss.
Strangely enough, when this occurs, we draw
closer to our Father, and we discover that He truly sustains us
throughout our hardship. We end up stronger than ever, rejoicing that we
were considered worthy to suffer for the cause of our Father.
At
times, however, we tend to get discouraged. If only we could peak behind
the spiritual curtain, we would discover that our Father is the One who
is holding us up, surrounding us with his love. We are never alone! No
wonder we end up rejoicing!
More often than not, I, too, face
calamities. I truly have my fair share! At one occasion, I received a
CO-OP student that had a lot of potential, but insisted on doing minimal
work. All I could do was to encourage her and guide her in worthwhile
endeavors.
She must have seen me as a tyrant, for she offered a
lot of opposition. In fact, she turned my teaching year into a real
burden. Strangely enough this drove me closer to my Father, as He was
the One who sustained me. I conversed with Him every night, and He gave
me the necessary sustenance to persevere.
I had the choice to
reassign her to someone else, but I refused to even consider that
option. My Father isn't a quitter, and I shouldn't be either!
Through hard times I tried, thanks to the guidance of my Father, to be
what I should be: a light in a gloomy world and a witness of the Most
High.
Many years later I was surprised when that same CO-OP
student showed up with her fiance. It was important to her for my wife
and I to be part of her wedding! I was touched to the innermost being.
All that adversity had not been in vain! I had somehow made a difference
in her life, without me ever knowing it! Wow! Thank you Father!
This is the main reason why we should be rejoicing at all times, even
amidst turmoil. When people make our life miserable, we are offered an
opportunity to show who we really are: Children of the Most High!
"Hey, I am facing unimaginable calamities."
Either you
complain about that problem, or you rejoice at the opportunity that it
brings. What will your choice be?
Rob Chaffart
Adversity on the Run! Majestic Mountain View, part 10
Today's Bible Verse:
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know
that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and
character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
Adversity on the Run! Majestic Mountain View, part 10
Announcement:
Do you need to be prayed for or do you know someone in need? Don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to pray for you and to offer you encouragements.
- This mailing list is a public mailing list - anyone may join or leave, at any time.
-
This mailing list is announce-only.
This newsletter is dedicated to bringing people closer to the Lord through thought-provoking inspirational stories. It is published every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Privacy Policy:
Our Privacy policy
We will never share, sell, or rent your individual personal information and email address with anyone without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law.
How can you stop receiving our newsletters?
Each newsletter sent contains an easy, automated way for you to cease receiving our newsletter. If you wish to do this, simply follow the instructions at the end of any newsletter.
If you have received unwanted, unsolicited email sent via this system or purporting to be sent via this system, please forward a copy of that email with your comments to webmaster@answers2prayer.org for review.