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“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because,
having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord
has promised to those who love him.” –James 1:12When he got back to his apartment that afternoon, there was a notice on the door and the locks had been changed. Sitting in the hallway were four garbage bags filled with his clothes and a notice that his furniture could be retrieved at a storage unit for a nominal service fee within the next 10 days or it would be sold at an auction. This is not what he expected when he got home from visiting his child in the hospital. You see, 6 months ago his family had been in a terrible accident and he lost his wife and oldest daughter, and his 5 year old son was in the hospital in a coma. He had spent 3 months in ICU himself and was now physically handicapped to a point that he could no longer work. He lost his job and up to this point had not received any insurance, unemployment or assistance from the local authorities, as the case was being contested by his previous employer. He had lost all of his savings, lost the car in the accident and was now losing his apartment. Running his fingers through his un-kept hair, he fell to his knees and hung his head. Sticking out from under one of the bags was the corner of a worn leather book he knew little about.
As he pulled it from the pile, it’s edges worn, torn and tattered, he saw his wife’s name engraved on the cover next to the word’s “The Holy Bible”. He dropped the book, angered and lost in where God was in this. As the book hit the ground it fell open to the book of James. Highlighted in yellow made James 1:12 jump off the page. His wife had dates and names written in the margins signifying important milestones in their lives where they had struggled and overcome problems in the past. As the words sank in, his eyes teared up. The sorrow and anguish of missing his family set in and he couldn’t help but break down and cry. He knew his wife was a strong Christian as was his daughter. He found comfort in knowing that they were with God in heaven now and at peace for eternity. Lost in the emotional battle between his sorrows and the joy in knowing his wife was taken care of, he found God waiting for him.
Trials come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are small, almost petty by nature, and others are life shattering. Through it all we are taught to stay focused on the big picture, the end game and the comfort that God promises peace, love and joy in eternity; not on earth. We are told that as Christians we will face trials and we will be put to the fire. But through Christ we are overcomers and strong enough to withstand the pressures. This life will seem impossible at times; stay focused on God’s eternal plan and make it through one more day. There is a great song on Christian Radio today titled Stronger. Here is a link. It might help some of you dealing with the pressures of the daily trials to realize that you are not alone.
ACTIONS for Growth: Step back, breathe and realize that this life is temporary. It may seem completely hopeless with no point or direction as you go through trials, but understand that God has the last say and although there may be pain, you will overcome this in His timing. Use whatever circumstance your in to glorify Him. If you are in the midst of a trial at this moment try spending more time helping others. This helps you realize you are valuable, God is in control, and it helps take your mind off of yourself and focus on others, with a real perspective that we all struggle in life. Soup Kitchens, Missions, Homeless Shelters, Hospice, Orphanages, Churches and Schools all need help from volunteers. Use your time to do His work while here on earth.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
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