The Benefits of Struggle
taken from "The Word 4U Today" you can go check 'em out here
James 1:4 "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"
Nobody likes to struggle. But overcoming obstacles is what develops in us the qualities needed to fulfill God's will for our lives. The truth is, growth can't happen any other way. In 2 Corinthians, chapter 1, Paul spells out the benefits of going through hard times. Yes, struggling actually allows us a few benefits:
FIRST
2 Corinthians 1:4 " ... so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort that we ourselves have received from God"
When people know you've been through what they're going through, they listen. Otherwise, they politely turn into zombies and turn you out. Built in every problem, that forces you to grow, are the answers those around you need. When you can say, "I have been there," your friends respect you and pay attention. Experience is one of your greatest assets and God will use it.
SECOND
2 Corinthians 1:9 "Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead."
Anything (and by anything, it could conclude death-defying struggles) that causes us to turn to God and lean harder on Him is an asset, not a liability. It's when we lose a loved one, a coveted scholarship, our best friend, our health, or our peace of mind that we turn to God and discover the wonders that He can do.
THIRD
2 Corinthians 1:11 "...Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many"
Do you remember what your life was like before you met the Lord? The psalmist wrote on Psalms 40:2 "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand" Come on, lift up your voice and begin to praise God for what he has done for you! After all, where would you be without Him? So sing a song of praise!
~many thanks to Ms. Mardanne Orilla for giving me this wonderful devotional :) You're such a blessing dane! I love you! :)
James 1:4 "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"
Nobody likes to struggle. But overcoming obstacles is what develops in us the qualities needed to fulfill God's will for our lives. The truth is, growth can't happen any other way. In 2 Corinthians, chapter 1, Paul spells out the benefits of going through hard times. Yes, struggling actually allows us a few benefits:
FIRST
2 Corinthians 1:4 " ... so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort that we ourselves have received from God"
When people know you've been through what they're going through, they listen. Otherwise, they politely turn into zombies and turn you out. Built in every problem, that forces you to grow, are the answers those around you need. When you can say, "I have been there," your friends respect you and pay attention. Experience is one of your greatest assets and God will use it.
SECOND
2 Corinthians 1:9 "Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead."
Anything (and by anything, it could conclude death-defying struggles) that causes us to turn to God and lean harder on Him is an asset, not a liability. It's when we lose a loved one, a coveted scholarship, our best friend, our health, or our peace of mind that we turn to God and discover the wonders that He can do.
THIRD
2 Corinthians 1:11 "...Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many"
Do you remember what your life was like before you met the Lord? The psalmist wrote on Psalms 40:2 "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand" Come on, lift up your voice and begin to praise God for what he has done for you! After all, where would you be without Him? So sing a song of praise!
~many thanks to Ms. Mardanne Orilla for giving me this wonderful devotional :) You're such a blessing dane! I love you! :)
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