Better with trials than without

[nathanb]

From an article:

A University of Michigan microbiolgist tells his students that the human body is made up of 10 trillion cells, which are home to some 100 trillion bacteria. This claim is supported by a University of Pennsylvania research group who once estimated that a dime-sized patch of skin may hold up to 2 million bacteria.

The presence of all those little criters might seem to be an overwhelming threat to our health. But scientists who have come to understand and appreciate the role of bacteria say that we would actually be sicker "Without" the bugs than we are with them. They apparently help ward off bacteria that cause diseases.

~~ This give us an interesting parallel to the setting in which Christians are called upon to live in this world for the Lord. Contrary to what we migh think, we can actually be better off with a hostile enviroment than "Without" it.

~~~~ God calls His children to show Patience, Love, and Faith in a world polluted by sin and opposed to the righteousness of God. Many of the troubles we encounter can help us avoid greater problems of independence, self-sufficient, and pride that set in so quickly when all goes smoothly.

The problems which come into our lives can HELP! us to realize the need for dependence on the Lord and Faith in His Word. Obstacles, trials, tests, hardships can contribute to our spiritual health if we will see them as TESTS! of our faith and as "Opportunities" to develop endurance, Faith, divine Love, forgiveness, less of self, longsufferings, etc... Until Jesus comes, we can be healthier! with the obstacles, tests, trials than without them.

So remember this: The difficulties of life ARE intended to make us bettter NOT bitter.

[nathanb]

~~~ If God doesn't REMOVE an obstacle, He'll help you find a way around it.

The women disciples of Jesus who sought to anoint the dead body of Jesus are to be commended for their tender love and regard for Jesus. Yet, as they came near the place of burial, the practice difficulty of moving the haven stone sealed His tomb brought them "Unnecessary Anxiety." Their fear, worries were groundless! It had already been MOVED by the angels of God.

~~ We too are often needlessly concerned over prospective difficulities that God gracious remove or helps us overcome. Let's excercise greater faith in our heavenly Father when we face obstacles, difficulties, hardships in life. We may be sure of the Lord's assistance when we TRUST on Him and for His glory.

~~ Remember this: Let your heart be NOT troubled, or filled with anxieties on the certainty that whatever difficulty you may face in your life, God will move the Stone for you. If God doesn't remove an obstacle, He'll help you find a way around it.

[nathanb]

Ripples on the Pond:

A young boy made a toy boat and then when to sail it on a pond. While he was playing with it along the water's edge, the boat floated out beyong his reach. In his distress he asked an older boy to help him. Without saying a word, the older child picked up some stones and started to throw them toward the boat.

The little boy became upset, for he thought that the one he had turned to for help was being mean. Soon, he noticed that instead of hitting the boat, each stone was directed beyond it, making a small ripple that moved the vessel a little nearer to the shore. Every throw of the stone was planned, and at last the treasured toy was brought back to his waiting hands.

~~~ Sometimes it seems as if God allows circumstances into our lives that are harming us and are without sense or plan. We may be sure, though that these waves of trial are intended to bring us nearer to Himself, to encourage us to set our minds, "on things above, NOT on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2). Because we are prone to drift away from God, the Lord MUST discipline us to get us back on the right course (Heb. 12:9-11).

~~~ How are we responding to life's difficulties? They are God's loving way of drawing us closer to Him.

God uses the Waves of trial to draw us CLOSER! to Himself.[/color]