TOUGH TIME OPPORTUNITIES


At different times in your life you will find yourself in the midst of a storm that you didn't cause and that you can't control and you will have no choice but to wait it out. These kinds of problems are often the most difficult to face, because they make you feel so helpless. Scripture is clear that we will face problems. When Jesus told the story of the wise and foolish men who built their houses (Matthew 7:24-27), do you remember what common experience both men shared? They both experienced storms that challenged the foundation of their lives.

When you look at your problems, they don't seem small. They seem Huge with a capital H. When you look at your problems they don't seem temporary, they seem permanent. But the truth is, it's only a matter of perspective.

“There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.” (1 Peter 1:6)

When you compare the size of quarter to the size of the sun, the difference in diameter is that of less than one inch and millions and millions of miles. Yet you can place that tiny quarter so close to your eye that you cannot see the sun. It's the same with your problems. When you look too closely at them, you lose perspective and they begin to seem larger than they really are. Your problems are temporary. When you forget that, you lose perspective and do something foolish, or desperate, or both. Think of the biggest problem you're facing right now. Remind yourself that this problem will not last forever. You can endure anything if you know that it will not last forever. Peter reminds us that when you are going through problems that can't be solved, you should remember that they're only temporary.

Don’t allow a few temporary problems to rob you of your joy. The things that are most important can never be taken away—God’s mercy, God’s power, and eternal life. Remember this. No problem that you face has the power to take away your joy.

Every problem can work out for your good. “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Peter 1:7)

I leave you with this last thought. The problems you face are not meant to take the strength out of you, but to put strength into you. Use your tough times as an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus.

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