"Problems are only opportunities with thorns on them." ~ Hugh Miller
After we'd been working together for several months, my Hungarian friend said that one thing she appreciates about Americans is our ability to see problems as challenges, not obstacles.
But I’m not always as “American” as I’d like to be, even though I can look back at almost every difficulty in my life and see some good that has come from it.
Christianity has so much to do with our perspective…how we “see” circumstances …how we respond. And God calls us to look at problems as “opportunities with thorns on them.”
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us…" Romans 5:3-5
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Another 1-minute devotion about this subject:
Beauty from Adversity
Luv your analogy, Gail! We do place too much importance on worldly keepsakes, instead of focusing on lasting treasures we can store up for God. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteHi Gail, as Followers of Jesus Christ, sometimes we think we are exempt from pain of life. We have to look at the Cross & see what ultimatly Christ suffered for us. I praise Him when I suffer in His name!
ReplyDeleteCause when we suffer through our life trails "He" needs & shall be seen if we are truly His children. Glory Glory!
Thank you for these words. Life is certainly a little crazy sometimes. Focusing of God and allowing Him to calm the waters is Faith.
ReplyDeleteI love the phrase "opportunities with thorns"! I think it's a great way to look at our greatest difficulties as well: how can we view them as opportunities?
ReplyDeleteHave you read about the idea of using thorny stems as a centerpiece? It's a great way to encourage conversations. I found it over at Daily Encouragement. http://www.dailyencouragement.net/seasonal/thankful_for_the_thorns.html