While I am searching for a solution to a long standing problem, I have found this bible study to be very helpful.
Pray that it will help others as well.
Tough times have a way of separating the "wheat" from the "chaff."
That is, when two people face similar dilemmas, one grows closer to God, bears spiritual fruit, and becomes more peaceful.
The other, meanwhile, becomes anxious, bitter in spirit, and full of secret doubts about the Lord's faithfulness. The difference has to do with how each one responds to hardship.
We all know that hardship is part of life. Becoming a Christian does not change that fact (John 16:33).
What shifts is our understanding of God's sovereignty—nothing touches our lives unless He permits it.
The Lord allowed a murderous king to pursue David for years (1 Sam. 23). But the fugitive responded to adversity with faith and called God his stronghold and refuge (Ps. 59:16).
We are confronted with challenges for many reasons.
God intends for them to grow our faith, change our perspective, or deepen our compassion.
Sometimes believers reach heaven before they understand why they've had to endure suffering. But whatever the trial or God's intention for it, He is available to help us in our affliction (Ps. 46:1).
We can turn toward Him for comfort, guidance, and support. Or we can get angry and resentful that we are not being rescued from our shadowy valley (See Ps. 23:4).
When affliction strips away every crutch, one has only the Lord to depend upon.
Can you think of a better position to find yourself in than to be undergirded by our faithful and sovereign God?
Though some people are destroyed by that kind of situation, others are built into stalwart believers.
Joyce..... Thank you for your wonderful post. I am in tears, as I too am going through a very deep valley which involve those I love dearly.
If you don't mind I am going to send your post to a very dear one who loves the Lord and realizes that He is in control, however is very stressed with the circumstances she is facing.
Oh, please share.
After I posted, I was wondering if I should add that I would love to hear from others who are reached by this message, but my shyness took over and I didn't.
So I am blessed and humbled that you have been touched enough to send to another.
I love this verse when I have troubles,
(2 Cor. 1:3-4)
"Blessed be the God . . . of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Cor. 1:3–4).
We understand that although suffering will continue in this life, we have Someone who soothes us in the midst of it. Often we cry for even temporary relief, but the God of all comfort gives permanent consolation in the midst of excruciating pain.
Paul makes it clear that comfort from God is not only for our benefit but also for sharing with other hurting people.
And, dear Ruth , that is just what you did....
Thank you Joyce and Ruth.
Ruth I am here if you need to talk.
A wonderful post Joyce.
There are lessons to be learned from all our trials and at times I'm a little slow is realizing the lesson the Lord would have me understand. Sometimes I think that has a lot to do with the period of time a trial will last, who knows. I pray the Lord help each of us
in keeping our heart receptive to the guidance of the spirit and our eyes illuminated. The darker times are when we should draw ever closer to our Lord. These trials somewhat parallel church history in that during persecution the church has always been at it's strongest.
This has prompted some inward searching tonight. Thanks.
Ruth Ann