Gratitude when you hit the rocks

As I've gotten older and learned life's lessons toward peace, I've also become a bit of a tenderfoot. When it's smooth sailing, the path soft upon my feet with the wear of experience and rough road smashed down over time into a path of soft dirt, I become accustomed to the little dirt clods on occasion. But when the road becomes rocky with sharp edges, I'm startled by the pain and pause. To be honest, at that moment of pain, I have a hard time considering it all joy.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2-3

It is necessary to consult a map - THE map (if you will) - so as not to make things worse or react in emotion born of pain, casting truth aside. God is with you. He is for you. And He will see you through this time for He will never leave you nor forsake you as a child of His and He will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. These are truths upon which you can stand fast during times of uncertainty and pain. In holding fast to them we can be assured of growth in our love, faith, strength and very witness. And as you express your gratitude for these very truths, you may find yourself rejoicing, yes rejoicing, even in the midst of the trials.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials (1 Peter 1:6)

And the path will seem to smooth before you.

Courage to Continue

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill

Regardless of whether you have suffered a failure or wonder why no one remembers what a success you were in the past, it is in today, in the present that we live. To allow ourselves to wade in the waters of the past will eventually pull us under when the floods of change come. Start a new endeavor with joy and enthusiasm. There will be nay-sayers along the way and you will feel as though you are alone in the heat of the desert, but they don't have to be your downfall. If is your choice. Choose life! The dream you dream, the hopes you hope can still come to pass. Place your faith, courage and trust in the right place, and you will know each day that you are but one step (or a windfall) closer to the goal before you.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Trust and Trials

Mother Teresa once said, “I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much.”

Often we are faced with trials in our lives. At first we are able to meet them with a positive attitude and a fairly confident feeling that this is just a “bump in the road” and all will be well in short order. Then, unexpectedly, we are faced with a new challenge and start to think…certainly I am to learn a lesson for my life in the midst of this “double whammy.” I’ll make the best of it and see what I how I can grow from it. While still grappling with this “trial” we are hit with another unexpected “opportunity for growth.” We may say – well, they say bad news comes in threes. That’s three, so I must be headed out of the woods now. But that may not be the case at all and we are to hold our heads high with thanksgiving for … we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3b-5 NASB

Whatever we are going through our situation is common to man. We are not alone, but can look forward with great expectation and courage to greater character on the other side…and even in the midst.

Look out beyond yourself to bless another today – yes – in the midst of your own trials and allow the love that has been poured out upon you to fall upon another. You may not even know about their trials, but what a blessing to them AND back to you.