It always amazes me how God can turn obstacles into opportunities, if we choose to see them. But seeing them is one thing I often overlook. I either complain about my past, or I choose not to examine it at all.
The other extreme happens when I have a love affair with the web of my past, and I totally get caught up in it. While there is no doubt that the past can be a teacher, it can also be an accuser. Therefore I need to move on with my life, but I can only do this by deciding which voice I will choose to hear. Let me tell you how this concept became real to me.
I grew up in the county, where there was no public transportation, and I had to leave many of my friends behind. But I had just become a Christian. I didn’t know it, but God was dealing with me. He allowed me to use some of that time, which could have been very lonely, to learn His Word as He opened doors of opportunity. These have prepared me for my future work, and they have also allowed me to comfort others.
But God is still dealing with me, and not letting the bumps in the road of life define me. He wants to take you down the same path, my friend.
Though life’s problems may be bitter, He can and will use them to mold and shape us into His image, if you will only yield your heart to Him on a continual basis. That is why He tells His followers to be learners or disciples, and to view what we are learning in the school of hard knocks through the lens of His Word.
Being a disciple is nothing more than being a life-long student in God’s school. Too many of us, however, are on a perpetual summer break. We rebel against what God is trying to teach us by not studying His Word, and we only allow trials to be a disabling force in our lives.
God knows what you and I are going through, and how painful life can be. He tells us that we will face tribulation in the world, but He also tells us that He has overcome the world. Then He showed us exactly what He meant by modeling his love through a painful death on the cross, and triumphing over death through His son’s resurrection. As if that wasn’t enough, He says that instead of leaving us in an orphan-like state, He will send His Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and encourage us.
God is like a loving parent who says, “Eat the vegetables in life that come your way with rejoicing, and let My strength be produced in your weakness. Be faithful to the end, and share the dessert of living with Me forever.”
The Lord wants the vegetables of our trials to produce fruit in our lives, and drive us closer to Him. So whatever you are facing today, my friend, you don’t have to face it alone.
We are all standing at a fork in the road, where God calls to us continually. Will we choose to complain about the obstacles in our path and let them stop us, or will we take God’s hand, letting Him show us the opportunities ahead?
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Tuesday night Bible study. These studies are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 6:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 313-209-8800. Our PIN is 8699032. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.