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The difficult times in life are hardly ever looked at as steppingstones and
learning experiences. We should not find it surprising that in order for
us to grow spiritually; we will have problems in this life. Jesus told us
that while we are on the earth we will have problems, but He tells us to
not be discouraged because He has already overcome the world for us. All
we have to do is stand strong in the difficult times of life and know that
God is working in our lives for good even if we can't see it right now.
(John 16:33) (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) (Ephesians 6:13-14)
I hope you'll be encouraged by this story that shows how God uses difficult
situations in His children's lives, so that people may see Him through us
and be drawn to that peace that is unexplainable. I hope this message
ministers to your heart if you are feeling overwhelmed with life's trials
and tribulations.
CONTRASTS
An artist paints so that people might see. You share beauty, elevate the
imagination, inspire and challenge the senses--and seek to do it all
without being blatant or obvious. The good artist will let the viewer
discover truth for himself.
I think of a recent painting of a horse. As I painted, there were parts
on that horse I thought were especially attractive--parts I wanted the
viewer to notice. Like that nice place where neck turns into chest. And
those slender ankles. The tilt of the head was another point of interest.
As an artist I thought to myself, how can I get the viewer to look at
these places without being obvious?
I noticed the horses coat was a warm, golden color. What's the opposite
color of gold? Violet, of course--cool, dark contrast to the horses coat.
That's what I'll do, I reasoned. I'll lay this cool violet next to the
special places on the horse. That will draw attention without being too
conspicuous.
As I worked on the horse's neck, I brushed a hint of violet alongside the
gold. When placed alongside each other, these colors, subtle and mysterious
would attract your attention. Artistically, it was a successful attempt
to have the viewer see what I wanted him to see.
God, too, is a Master Artist. And there are aspects of your life and
character--good, quality things--He wants others to notice. So without
using blatant tricks or obvious gimmicks, God brings the cool, dark
contrast of suffering into your life. That contrast, laid up against the
golden character of Christ within you, will draw attention...to Him.
Light against darkness. Beauty against affliction. Joy against sorrow.
A sweet, patient spirit against pain and disappointment--major contrasts
that have a way of attracting notice.
Your life begins to snap with interest. People notice you out of the
corner of their eye--are drawn to you--without really understanding why.
They are, in fact, seeing what the Master Artist wants them to observe:
Christ in you, highlighted against an opposing force of dark suffering.
You are the canvas on which He paints glorious truths, sharing beauty, and
inspiring others...So that people might see Him.
By Joni Eareckson Tada
We must recognize that we are insufficient beings. We cannot draw people
to the Lord in our own strength, but the Holy Spirit that dwells in us
shows the peace that God offers even while we are in the midst of a storm.
It does not matter how hopeless or overwhelmed you may feel, God will give
you the strength and grace to continue on and in the end, you will be
victorious over that situation. I encourage you to continually trust that
God has your best interest in mind. (Zechariah 4:6) (Jeremiah 29:11)
Please know that God is using whatever problem that may be in your life for
good. Even while the enemy tries to discourage and dishearten God's people,
the Lord has infinite ways to turn that heartbreak into Triumph. Don't
blame God for the problem, but rather lift up your eyes and your faith to
the Lord and let God know that you are trusting Him to bring great good
out of this bad that you are going through right now. In doing so, you
will see great things take place even though you thought all hope was lost.
(Romans 8:28) (Ephesians 3:20) (2 Samuel 22:2-7)
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Psalm 91:1-4 "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My
God, in Him I will trust. Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of
the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His
feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be
your shield and buckler."
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 "Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three
times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is
sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore
most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ
may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,
in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am
weak, then I am strong."
John 16:33 Jesus declares "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me
you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good
cheer, I have overcome the world."
All scriptures can be found in the New King James Version.
Today's Selected Poem: PEACE AMIDST THE PAIN
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem148.htm
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
