There are many people in this world who wish their life was trouble-free. They want to go through life without trials, troubles or challenges, but what they don't realize is that the obstacles of life are what make and mold us into who we will become. If we were to never have obstacles in our path, then we would have nothing to strengthen our resolve and make us better than we are right now. We will become lackadaisical, uninspired, and unmotivated to do anything that will bring real value to our life. It is in fighting through the challenges of life that we become appreciative for all that we have been given. We must also remember that when we stay faithful to the Lord we will come out of every difficult situation better than we were before it. We read this in I Peter 5:10 "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (Proverbs 3:5-6) (Isaiah 26:3-4)

No matter how tough things may get around you be happy in the midst of it, stay in peace despite it, trust God with it and believe that you will come forth victorious after it. God is too good to leave us where we are. His love for us is too great to leave us wanting for anything. The Bible declares in Psalm 37:3-5 "Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." I encourage you to see the obstacles of life serve a purpose. They are meant to make you better, they are there to show you how strong you really are, and when you overcome and stand atop the mountain you will be proud of who you have become because of what you have overcome. Praise the Lord for His goodness and remember that with Him by your side all will be well with you always. (Philippians 4:11-13) (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to see that every trial in life is there to make us better, to make us stronger and to show us that we can be great in life if we just don't give up or give in.


MAKING THE BEST OF YOU

A middle-aged man decided to take up jogging. He found a sports shop carrying a wide variety of running shoes. While trying on a pair, he noticed a little pocket on the side of the shoe.

"What's this thing for?" he asked the sales clerk.

"Oh, that's to carry spare change so you can call a friend to come pick you up when you've jogged too far."

That would probably never be a problem for me. I know avid runners and gym enthusiasts who can't wait to get out in the morning and work up a healthy sweat before starting the day. They are likely to jog too far. I know others, however, who exercise with a grim determination to get through the workout because they know it's good for them, like a child forcing down the healthy breakfast cereal when all the while wishing she were eating the sugary bowl advertized on television. Whereas the first group is anxious to work out, the second group needs a good reason to push through the workout session. I find myself squarely in the second group. I cannot imagine myself jogging too far.

Of course, if I begin each morning with an exercise regimen, I feel better all day long. And I know I am healthier. But when I wake up feeling good -- no aches, no soreness, no stiff muscles - I suddenly find good reasons to skip my routine. "I am too busy today; I just need some quiet time; there is something else I'd rather do." It is the aching back and stiffness in my neck that prods me to do what I ought to do anyway.

Oddly enough, my sore and aching muscles are probably good for me - they motivate me to take better care of myself. It's not about just making the best of my aches and pains -- THEY are actually making the best of me.

Abraham Lincoln knew the value that difficulties can bring to a life. One of his cabinet appointees, Edwin Stanton, frequently found flaws with the president and criticized him -- sometimes in public. But Lincoln seemed to show excessive patience with him. The president was asked why he kept such a man in a high level position.

Lincoln characteristically responded with a story. He told about a time he was visiting with an old farmer. He noticed a big horsefly biting the flank of the farmer's horse. Lincoln said he reached over to brush the fly away. As he did so, the farmer stopped him and cautioned, "Don't do that, friend. That horsefly is the only thing keeping this old horse moving."

Even life's many irritations and problems have their place. That horsefly kept the horse moving. Edwin Stanton, no Yes Man, kept the president sharper, honest and self-reflective. My sore muscles and aching back keep me exercising regularly.

Sometimes we make the best of our problems. But how wonderful it is when those problems can make the best of us.

By Steve Goodier


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it."

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Hebrews 13:5-6 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

1 Peter 2:9-10 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

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


Today's Selected Poem: HOLD ON TO YOUR DREAMS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem172.htm

Today's Selected Testimony: HOW GOD USED CANCER TO BLESS ME
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony145.htm


In Christ's Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God's Work Ministry