19/04/08

Troubles can develop passionate patience in us

Romans 5:3 - And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

It seems like everyone we know has or are spending their share of time over the past year "hemmed in with troubles." Many of them spend a lot of time worrying about what they should do next and how things will turn out. Perhaps you've done the same. I know we have. But, thank God, there is a better way. Take a look a Paul's approach in the midst of his own troubled times. Instead of worrying "what can go wrong next" Paul confidently anticipates "whatever God will do next." He takes his eyes off his troubles and puts them on God. He anticipates God's response to his situation and when it comes - gets in line with it.

I like the example Zig Ziglar uses in his motivational lecture "My Spiritual Journey." Mr. Ziglar shares, "The Israelites looked at Goliath and thought he was too big to hit. David looked at Goliath and thought he was too big to miss. It's all a matter of perspective. The Israelites compared themselves to Goliath and believed they had no chance against him. David compared Goliath to God and believed he was way too small to have any chance against God. It's not problems that are in the way of our progress, it's our perspective of those problems."

The Chinese word for crisis is two symbols. One is the symbol for danger. The other is the symbol for opportunity. If you have your eyes on the problems, all you'll see is the danger. But, if you can focus yourself on the Lord, He'll open your eyes to the opportunities.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33.


[ Prayer Starter ]

Lord, I do not thank You for the problems, but I thank You for what You are making me through them. No problem is greater than You, all these You have crush under your feet. Lord help me focus onto You like David did. I ask this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)