“Dear friend, we are destined for trials. In other words, life is supposed to be difficult, God wired it that way.
Looking back, I don’t think that’s something the visitor to our Family Retreat believed. But he’s not alone — it’s amazing how many people believe that life should be easy. They groan, feeling as though their difficulties are a unique kind of affliction that should not be. They focus so much on the problems and so little on the Lord, that they feel that affliction has somehow been especially visited upon them. But here’s the thing…
Life is a series of problems to be solved. And, yes, solving problems is a painful process, but it is this whole process that gives our life meaning.
I think it was Benjamin Franklin who said, “Those things that hurt, instruct.” Isn’t that the truth! And the psalmist said long before Benjamin Franklin in Psalm 119 that, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”
So today, friend, if you’re thinking that your life is just one battle after the next, take the advice of an apostle: be strengthened, be encouraged in your faith. Don’t be unsettled by your trials, because you know quite well you are destined for them and for good reason. Trials are not for our pleasure; they are for our profit. Once you and I can embrace this truth, we transcend it. Once we know that life is to be truly difficult then life is difficult no longer.
God has not redeemed you and me to make us happy, or healthy, or free of trouble. God has redeemed you and me to become more like Jesus Christ… and this is why He destined trials for you, my friend.”
HT: Truth Matters
Such wise counsel from a sister who knows well the meaning of suffering. Joni broke her neck around the time I did and when her 1st book came out it was such an inspiration to me. She has been such a blessing to countless numbers of people throughout her life. And she also needs our prayers now as she battles breast cancer.
Thank you for posting these wonderful words Christina.
Love to you today!
I didn’t know about her breast cancer Diane….thanks for sharing. She’s inspired me in my faith, and I can only imagine how much she must have been an inspiration to you with all you went through, just as you are to those of us blessed to know you.
Christina, thanks for sharing these wise words. Love to you.
UGH! I hate it when they’re right.
I hear you Martha!
I have a few heroes of the faith and Joni is one of them. Her book “The Glorious Intruder” was such an encouragement to me a few years ago that I now I hand it out to people going through tough times along with “The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. Thank you so much Christina for posting this, like John said she’s such an inspiration. I found one of many excerpts from the book I mentioned on my blog if anyone cares to read more. She’s such an encouragement after all she has been through. Here is a link:http://musicfrombrokenchords.wordpress.com/2010/06/29/gods-perspective-on-suffering/
Thank you Teresa. I just visited your blog and posted the excerpt you shared to my FB.
How beautiful is this? “God permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves.”
Thanks for sharing this dear sister! Love you dearly! xoxoxo
Love you Christina, thank you for sharing it.
Joni’s got gifts of painting, and singing but I believe her writing touches so many hearts. God allowed the injury to her spinal chord but it seems He’s blessed her with an abundant love for Him and the ability to communicate it with so many people through these gifts.
I have much love and respect for Joni. Her book was one of the first I read as I was returning to the Lord oh so many years ago. She continues to inspire and encourage me. I’m often reminded of one of her most quoted comments, “Life is hard, but God is good.” Thank you for sharing this, Christina. XOX
Wonderful reminder of how God is at work for our good. He is not concerned as much about our comfort as about our character being transformed to that of His dear Son. I have always loved Joni. She has inspired me for many years and continues to do so. Thank you for sharing this dear sister!
Thanks for posting this, Christina.
Even if we don’t believe the Prosperity Gospel, there is the mindset that things will go well because we’re Christians. We view the hard times as the exception, not the rule. Joni has proven otherwise to the glory of God.
So very well said, Persis. How right you are!