Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts Proverbs 17:1 NKJV
Harsh winds blew this butterfly sideways. Yet, it hung on.
And we should too.
We all have some preconceived notion about how much stress we think we can bear. Most of us are reluctant to endure anything beyond what is absolutely necessary.
However, God knows our greatest potential. In order to unlock the best within us, we must often endure some trials that will inevitably strengthen and prepare us for what lies ahead.
What you may perceive as a loss—divorce, bankruptcy, unemployment or failed relationships may actually prepare you for a brighter future. The ability to withstand the stress of life’s disappointments is the same discipline required to enjoy life’s blessings without becoming consumed by them.
A prospering business or active family is very much a blessing. But each comes with its own share of challenges and responsibilities. The ability to bend without breaking or walk through fire comes with maturity and experience gained not in the good times but in the bad.
A nail is hammered into place to keep things together. The hammering makes the nail effective and allows it to serve its purpose.
As much as it hurts, our hammering shapes us as well.
It can build us up from the inside out or we can allow it to beat us down.
Character, endurance, and faith are tested and strengthened when we learn how to withstand trials, not avoid them.
Through Christ we can endure whatever we are forced to face and come out stronger than we ever dared imagine.
God’s grace is sufficient.
Endure the stress, and pass your tests!
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NIV
B Is for Blessed! 
It is in our trials and tribulations that Christ does His best work and draws us ever closer to Him which cements our bond ever stronger
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Amen!
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Amen and amen!
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Trust in this…the Lord will never give us more than we can handle. Too, He will be certain we have what we need, in one way or another. Finally, He will never leave us, nor forsake us! Promises not everyone takes advantage of!
Better Days…
Clayton
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Amen!
Your words are so true. If only more people would find comfort, courage and strength in God, our society wouldn’t be stressed and in distress. Thanks for stopping by!
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And your words are even truer! If the government, and so many people, hadn’t abandoned God’s basic laws, we would be in a much better place as a nation…
Only if…
Thank you for the reply; enjoy your day.
Clayton
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Beautiful. I needed to hear this today, thank you so much for having the courage to share those words… I’m certain it isn’t an easy topic to write about.
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You are very welcome! I’m glad they were the right words at the right time for you.
I encourage you to cast your cares on our Lord and allow Him to carry you through whatever trials you face. With Him, you can do anything! Peace.
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