Times of Trouble

Have you ever wondered why you were going through a time of trouble only to realize on the other side that it enabled you to minister to those who were now going through something very similar? I remember a dear friend, who has since gone to be with the Lord, losing her son years ago to a drunk driver. The storm of questions that followed that tragedy were impossible to answer; all I could say was that God was still in control and could use this tragedy for good somehow. Not long after, there were a string of kids who passed away unexpectedly for some reason or another; some sickness, others accidents. My friend was able to minister to many parents and friends because of the strength she had gained in going through her own loss and resultant growth in leaning on the Lord.

Paul shares something akin to this in 1 Cor. 1: 3-7. He says (roughly) that God comforts us in all our troubles so when may, in turn, comfort those who are in trouble as well. As a matter of fact he goes on to say that "the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." That's awesome. What we read here is real body ministry happening. As we go through struggles and come out stronger, we are able to then encourage those going through similar trials and/our struggles. (And so on, and so on)

So take heart, if we trust the Lord, lean on Him, and grow in Him, as we come through the fire we can then be used by Him. It's the economy of God - no bailout needed, just perseverance.

The Blessing of Resistance

I have incorporated into my morning routine, for some time now, the habit of exercising. Monday, Wednesday, Friday - weight training; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - cardio. I injured my shoulder recently and so have been using lighter weights with slower repetitions. It's amazing how performing slower movements adds to the difficulty of the exercise and different muscle use. I hurt (in a good way) more today than if I had been lifting heavier amounts. I am finding that resistance is the key. Where there is resistance, there is muscle growth.

The apostle James starts his letter in the New Testament with the idea of resistance. "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds...because the testing of your faith develops perseverance...". Seriously, how many of us find ourselves in trouble or hard times and think, "How joyful"? None of us want trials, tribulation, testing, tough circumstances, pain, etc. However, most of us would agree that in hindsight, it was during those times we actually grew in our faith the most.

So, here's to resistance. Here's to fighting the good fight, perseverance, pressing on towards the goal and all those other encouragements to keep on keeping on we find in scripture. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to find the Icy Hot.