Central Truth

Sometimes life’s struggles appear to be so overwhelming we want God to take them away. Once we get through it, we can look back and see how God worked in us and improved us. What a blessing!

Reflections

On October 19, 1994, our youngest child Rebecca was born. Joy and happiness filled our family.  Then the next morning, my maternal grandmother was found dead in her apartment from an apparent heart attack. Less than 2 months later, my maternal grandfather died. Three weeks later, my father died from congestive heart failure. Then 3 months later, I lost my job. All of this occurred in a span of 6 months.  My life, as I knew it, had turned upside down. People I thought were my friends deserted me. This was definitely one of the toughest times of my life.

As difficult as this was, my struggle doesn’t begin to compare to Jesus’ dying on the cross. But I do believe my difficulties were God’s will. Looking back, I can see how God had His hands on me, pulling me through. This struggle brought me into a close and personal relationship with Christ. Otherwise, my life would have been worse. I could have easily gone in another direction. I thank God that I chose to follow Him!

Discussion Questions

1. During life’s struggles, do you think about God’s goodness before you consider asking Him to just take it away?

2. If you have been through the experience of struggle and pain and you have experienced God pulling you through, would you consider the experience a blessing? 

3. In the beginning and during your next trial, remember how good and relieved you felt at the conclusion of your previous trial.  Be encouraged knowing that God is, probably, doing something good for you.

Persevere! If God is in it, we will be better for it!