SEEDS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

"Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity." - Og Mandino

Therefore…

...never collapse. The outward man (woman) does indeed suffer wear and tear, but every day the inward man (woman) receives fresh strength. These little troubles (which are really so transitory) are winning for us a permanent, glorious and solid reward out of all proportion to our pain.

- 2 Corinthians 4:16 (PH)

No one wants to experience tough times. But when they come our way, we have a choice about how to view them: as a burden or a bridge. Many people believe that they draw closer to God through blessings, but really, we discover God’s true love, mercy and grace through difficult situations and circumstances. - Stanley

That is true.

That passage from 2 Corinthians “confirms” it.  Even though you may be going through a tough time, there is purpose in the challenge; there are triumphs in the “teaching” there is discovery in the difficulty.

Rick Warren penned this regarding “adversity, pain and bad or tough times” and their purpose.

“God is an expert at bringing good out of bad. 

He could have kept Paul out of prison in Philippi but instead He let Paul go to prison and the jailer became a believer as a result. God could have kept Jesus from the cross but He let Him go -- His own Son -- He let Him suffer and die.  Did He bring any good out of that?  I'd say He did!

God loves to turn crucifixions into resurrections. (ISN'T that great!)

The things you wish were most removed from your life are often the very things that God is using to shape you and make you into the believer of character He wants you to be.  He wants to use that problem for good in your life. There's something more important than your pain.  It's what you're learning…”

I know it not easy to consider the “benefit” when dealing with the “bad”.  I will quickly admit, I am not good at it and often stare at heaven kicking and screaming with my list of “whys” at GOD when it is going on with me.

BUT…

The truth is always the truth.  And the truth says:

GOD gives…unto (us) beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…Isaiah 61:3 (KJ21)

GOD promises…that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans. – Romans 8:28 (LB)

GOD will… never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)

Therefore, resist the urge to focus on the present pain.  

Instead “seek those seeds” of:

Possibility.

Opportunity.

Understanding.

For…

“There is no better teacher than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve…” Unknown

Have a blessed day…

I love you all.

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE