Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Trying Times Help Us

Ecclesiastes 7:3 "Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better."

Trials and difficult times are not fun. If you think they are then might I suggest you have your head examined? I know I don't enjoy them.

Some of those time hurt worse than other times. Currently I'm going through probably the most difficult time I've ever experienced. I've experienced losing everything we owned once...yet my faith seemed to be stronger. I've faced family "disowning" me for many years...yet I trusted God more than ever before. But currently I'm facing heartache from one of my children. I think this hurt is the hardest to deal with. Yet I'm trying to be thankful for this trial because I know God is desiring to use it for His honor and glory and for my benefit.

One thing I can say about those difficult times is that it is drawing me closer to the Lord. It also helps me to appreciate the times that things aren't difficult.

How do you deal with difficult times in your life? Do you resent God for them or do you thank Him for them? Do you let them help you and draw you closer to Him or do you withdraw from Him and everyone else in your life? Sometimes it would be really easy to just walk away from God and just say "I can't do this anymore!!". But thanks be to God for the precious Holy Spirit that puts up a fight and reminds us that we can't do that. He reminds me often what God has done for me and Who He has been to me for so long now. I can't walk away from Him!! I owe Him everything!! How about you??


9 comments:

Tori Leslie said...

Julie,
What a sweet, touching post. My heart goes out to you. We went through one little trial with one of our children and I'm, sure it's not like what your dealing with but it was also earth shaking.

I'm so glad that God doesn't put anything on us that we can't endure.
My prayers are with you Julie!

Sis. Julie said...

Sis. Tori....What we are going through is very tough!! But God's grace is certainly sufficient through every situation. And I can honestly say that from experience. I love you and thank you for your prayers!!

~~Deby said...

Julie...(((HUGS))) from this mother to another mother...
God is able...HE is still on the Throne and we know Romans 8:28 applies EVEN in this...
PRESS ON
love,
Deby

Sis. Julie said...

Sis. Deby...With the help of the Lord I will press on. I will not let this situation keep me from serving the One who saved me and died for me. I just need His strength and grace to get me through this. And He is faithful to meet my need whatever it is. Thank you so much Sis for your words of encouragement and the hugs.

Leah said...

((((((Sis Julie))))) Just remember Gods word does not return void. You and your dh have showered that child with the Word and it's down deep in her heart.

Anonymous said...

Mrs Julie you are right those trials can bring us closer to God they can move us away from God. I pray God continues to give you the grace to continue through the trial. God Bless You!

Bro Tim

Jerry Bouey said...

Thanks for the reminder that we all share in the trials and struggles. Sometimes it is easy to forget and to think that you are going through something alone or are the only one struggling or possibly getting discouraged - but, though the trials aren't a blessing, it is a blessing to know others can relate to our struggles or trials.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Psalms 33:15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Sis. Julie said...

Bro. Jerry...AMEN!! Thank you so much for those added Scriptures!! You always have such wonderful things to add to the thought I've posted. I really appreciate the wisdom God gives you!

Sis. Tammy said...

We had special prayer for your family last night at church. We know that He is in control and that He hears and answers our prayers. Sometimes the wait is so very hard. But just remember, "God Likes to Work When Nothing Else Will!"
Love,
Sis. Tammy

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