What doesn't kill you makes you stronger … right?
Not always.
We can choose to let our difficulties make us weaker if we view ourselves as victims of our circumstances, blaming others for our bad choices, holding grudges, and focusing on what we don't have instead of being grateful for what we have.
Yes, difficulties in our lives can make us stronger, but they can also make us bitter, petty, negative, and selfish.
But Christians should be different. We have these two promises non-Christians don't have:
1. God can use bad things for our good.
“In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
I have seen this truth play out over and over in my life.
2. We can have peace in Christ.
When Jesus explained His coming death and the persecution that would follow, He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
What a wonderful promise of peace in the midst of hardship!
For the Christian, every hardship in our lives is meant to make us stronger, more faithful, and more dependent on our Lord (James 1:2-4).
Let's live like we believe that!
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For a one-minute devotion about someone who has suffered much and experienced both of these truths in her life, see Inhale His Presence and Joni Shares 5 Benefits of Suffering.
Key point for me: forgive offenders and trusting the Lord's purpose even when I don't understand. Thank you ....
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