We've all hit times in our lives that seem almost overwhelmingly difficult. Even if we are people of faith, those experiences can be discouraging and fill us with despair. So what do we do? How do we get past it? The disciple James has surprising advise:
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends,
when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that
under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its
true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do
its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any
way." (Eugene Peterson's, "The Message") We are to consider our problems a "gift?" Something to be embraced, and even welcomed? Yes! As odd and counter-intuitive as it sounds, there are remarkable gifts and blessings even in the worst of situations. Hear how others have conquered hard times, and how you can, too. Click here to download the message |
|
|