Coming Through
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. Revelations 19:11
Written by Maria Fontaine October 2014
Light is appreciated and valued, because we’ve experienced darkness. Hope is truly valued after we’ve experienced despair. Our blessings bring us the greatest joy, because we’ve experienced life without them. We value health because we’ve experienced sickness, and we understand the value of being loved because we know what it’s like to feel loneliness.
I don’t think there is anyone who enjoys the suffering, the difficulties, the sickness, the pain, and the hardships of life; yet Paul tells us in the Bible that he is “glad to boast about weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through .” When we can look to God in whatever life brings, His power gives us the strength to endure and gain all the good that He has promised to bring about.
Here are a few thoughts from some who discovered that when they turned to God in times of trouble, He walked by their side through it all.
Thankfulness is the secret of joy.—Author unknown
We human beings instinctively regard the seen world as the “real” world and the unseen world as the “unreal” world, but the Bible calls for almost the opposite.—Philip Yancey (b. 1949)
Every truth about suffering can be twisted into a weapon for or against God. Most often, suffering speeds us in the direction we are already heading—whether toward or away from God.—David McKenna
Don’t shake your head when you see a mom or dad with a Down syndrome child and say, No way could I face that. Most likely you couldn’t. Which is precisely why God hasn’t asked you to. Instead, take time to seriously consider how you will remain joyful within your own particular, unique, individual situation. Accept your circumstances as a gift from His hand. Dare to thank Him for them.—Joni Eareckson Tada (b. 1949)
Think of your worst moments, your sorrows, your losses, your sadness, and then remember that here you are, able to remember them. You got through the worst day of your life. You got through the trauma, you got through the trial, you endured the temptation, you survived the bad relationship, you’re making your way out of the dark. Remember the bad things ... then look to see where you are. When we remember how difficult life used to be and how far we have come, we set up an explicit contrast in our mind, and this contrast is fertile ground for gratefulness.—Reverend Peter Gomes (1942–2011)
In suffering—pray that the trial increases your capacity for faith.—Bob O’Bannon
Don’t pray for a lighter burden. Pray for a stronger back.—Author unknown
Whenever you feel yourselves weak, do not say, “I am weak,” but seek the remedy—for it is God’s Word (Zechariah 4:6).—John Calvin (1509–1564)
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that 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
I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.—Michael Jordan (b. 1963), former professional basketball player, considered by the NBA to be “the greatest basketball player of all time”
Activated TFI