- First, believe in God and that He has good things planned for you.
- Second, lose your negative attitude.
- Third, look at all trials and tribulations as learning experiences – for you to grow and to share with others.
- Fourth, share what you have with others, no matter how little it is.
- Fifth, admit your mistakes, make amends, and move on.
- Sixth, ask for forgiveness from God and humankind.
- Seventh, don’t automatically assume the other person meant harm to you.
- Eighth, forgive those who hurt you. This helps you, not them.
- Ninth, politely stand up for what you believe but don’t look for trouble.
- Tenth, don’t give up.
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Sunday, January 8, 2012
How To Exceed in Life
Thursday, May 26, 2011
God’s Plan in Trials and Tribulations
I had been feeling set upon the week before I got to CH Spurgeon’s devotional for the morning of May 22nd. I had made a pack with myself to read some religious material each day instead of the giant cram sessions I am famous for. As age proceeds, I don’t have the energy or attention span that I did when my steel trap mind wasn’t rusty.
His first sentence said eloquently what I was whining about to myself all week: “Changeful experience often leads the anxious believer to inquire ‘Why is it thus with me?’” It’s been a long time since I had a true “pity party.” Pastor Spurgeon’s writings have been having a calming effect on me so this is what just what the doctor ordered. I mean, God.
He digs a bit deeper “Is this part of God’s plan with me?” he rhetorically asks his audience. He answers himself with a resounding Yes. Over the centuries, hundreds if not thousands of religious leaders and counselors have tried to explain this answer. I’m sure most people heard of Kushner's book “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Spurgeon is one of the few I’ve read that hits the spot for me. The old English works for me though it might not for others. He simply says “These trials are for the testing and strengthening of your faith…they are winds which waft your ship the more swiftly towards the desired haven.”
He concludes with this lovely verse “Oh, think not, believer, that your sorrows are out of God’s plan; they are necessary parts of it. “We must, through much tribulation, enter the kingdom.” Learn, then, even to ‘count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.’”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)