Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Tuesday 9/9/2014

Thought for the Day:

This is from Os Hillman’s on-line devotional (9/9/2014) Today God is First:

James 1:9    “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.”

“Whenever God takes a saint to a very lowly state it is designed to accomplish something only that process can do. Job learned that "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light" (Job 12:22). Job's trials allowed him to learn things about God, himself and his friends that we all needed to know as well. He assumed things about God that he had to recant: "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know" (Job 42:3).

God reveals things in the dark places of circumstances that will be used to reveal something He wants you and others to know. He has sent you ahead to learn these things so that you and others will benefit from your unique experience. God views this place where you receive these truths as a high position. The world views it as a place to be despised.

"He called down a famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them - Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true" (Psalms 105:16-19). Joseph was also led to this high position. It was here he was prepared to be the most powerful man in the world as a thirty-year old. He learned many things about God during his captivity that was used later as a ruler over a nation.

So, if you find yourself in a lowly state, realize your lowly state is considered a high position by God that is preparation soil for revealing deep things from the dark places that God desires you to learn.”


While reading this devotional, I thought of the difficult places that I have been through in the last year.  Then I began recalling the exceedingly difficult struggles that some of my friends have gone through.   You’ve probably have gone through some rough patches in the past year as well.  It is nice to know that there can be some purpose or benefit that comes from our experiences.

I know that many people go through terrible times; but not everyone comes out on the other side better, wiser, or finds something positive in the midst of trouble.  Some people become bitter and angry.  What is the difference?  Why do some people grow in adversity and others are crushed by it?

I believe that much of the difference is due to our attitude and core beliefs.  Those who benefit from their difficulties seem to keep a positive attitude.  “I may not be able to do everything; but I am going to enjoy everything that is possible for me despite the limitations placed upon me.”  When trouble comes our way it is natural to focus upon what is happening to us; but I purposively choose to not focus solely about what’s wrong in my life—I spend more time rejoicing over the positives instead.

Secondly, I think those who rise above the challenges of life have a deep, abiding faith and trust in God.  I know that it is a constant source of comfort and strength for me personally.  Knowing that God loves me and allows certain things into my life for the purpose of training or benefiting me helps me to reframe what I am encountering.  These are bad accidents without purpose or any redeeming value.  God may not have caused them; but He will find a way to use them for my benefit and for His glory.  If I choose to respond to Him, trusting in His love and relying upon His strength, my troubles will not destroy me—they will strengthen and improve me.

I’ve got to admit that over the last ten months, I’ve learned a lot about God and about myself.  I think that I am a better person because of it.  My relationship with God has been renewed and refreshed.  I’m healthier—mentally, spiritually, and physically—than I have been in quite some time.  I still have a long way to go on the road of self-improvement; but I am making progress.

Most of us would never willingly choose to go down the path of disaster; but each of us has a choice of how we are going to respond when it comes our way.   We can start by how we choose to respond to the daily little difficulties that life brings our way.  Choose to allow them to make you better instead of bitter.  Get in the habit of focusing in on the positive results instead of the negative ones.  Begin practicing how you want to respond when “the big wave hits” bringing massive destruction into your life.  Trust that God has a purpose and a plan.  Believe that He loves you and wants to see you grow and develop as a person.  Have faith in Him.

Even when you don’t have the strength or courage to overcome what you are facing, dig deep and find it within yourself to just take the next step forward.  And then take one more step.  And another.  One step towards your goal will eventually get you there if you just keep on striving.




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