I am a firm believer in having a proper perspective. Perspective gives us so much and it is useful to us each and every new day that we are blessed enough to see. Why is perspective so important? It is important because when we step back from our current situation and allow ourselves to see what we are facing from a different viewpoint; we will see that situation not being as serious or troublesome as we previously thought. The trials, troubles, setbacks and heartaches that each of us go through in life are not meant to destroy us, but they are meant to make us better than we were before. A life that becomes stagnant becomes stale, but a life that continues to grow because of the tribulations that challenge them will continue to rise higher and higher. That is what each of us should see when problems come our way. We are promised to become better, wiser and stronger, but we must keep a proper perspective and not allow ourselves to get discouraged while we are still in the midst of the storm. (2 Corinthians 4:15-18) (Psalm 33:1-11)

We must have the foresight to know that the end result of our current troubles will be to our benefit and betterment. The benefits of staying in peace while the storms rage around us allows our hearts to stay focused on the goodness of the Lord which in turn moves the heart of God because of our unmoved faithfulness in Him. The Apostle Paul encourages us to stay faithful in the midst of our troubles as we read in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” Just imagine Paul encouraging the Saints with his epistles while he himself is in prison for preaching the gospel of Christ. He still saw the good despite his present circumstances and that is how each of us should carry on with our lives. (Job 23:10-12) (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

I encourage you to stay strong in the midst of your troubles and don’t let them get the best of you, but with a quiet confidence dare to believe that God will work all things out for your good in the end.

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to look past your present troubles and see your future with refreshed eyes. See it bright, blessed and beautiful.


SNOWBOUND!

It was the heart of winter. A raging blizzard left the white stuff piled 30 inches deep - and deeper where wind had blown it into drifts. We were stranded in our mountain cabin for days. But with schools and businesses all closed due to the storm, where would we go even if we could have left?

I shoveled heavy, wet snow all day long. My back, arms and shoulders ached. I shoveled more the next day. But while I shoveled, I thought, “I can either grumble all day long or use the time to learn important life lessons.” So I gave thanks and learned a few things about tough times in the process.

First, I was thankful that we received much-needed moisture. Sure, it came all at once, but after the summer's drought it was needed more than ever. There is usually some good in every problem. Look for it.

Second, I was thankful I was able to work. I had good health and the fresh air probably did me more good than a typical sedentary day. Be thankful you can solve problems! Only dead people are without difficulties.

I was also thankful that the snow was temporary. Problems may come, but it helps to remember that they almost always pass, too. Months from now your problem may be no more than a distant memory.

Finally, I was thankful for neighbors who helped one another clear a road to their homes. Adversity brought us together. Too many weeks had passed without much more contact than a nod or a wave - but those days we talked. Can your problems bring you closer to other people?

You've got problems? Be thankful!

By Steve Goodier


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 91:9-12 “Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

Psalm 34:4-8 “I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”

Psalm 61:1-4 “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of Thy wings. Selah.”

Psalm 91:14-16 “Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation.”

All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. 


Today's Selected Poem: AFTER THE RAIN
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem84.htm 

Today's Selected Testimony: A BETTER WAY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony22.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry