MOVING FORWARD â—½ ENCOURAGEMENT
"Problems are just opportunities for miracles to occur. Don't have a problem right now? I'm so sorry! But I'm sure you will again soon." -- Graham Cook (paraphrased).
Doesn't life sometimes just seem to be one problem after another?
I'm often astounded at how many different ways my peace feels under attack - and, a lot of the time, in multiple ways at once. I find myself wondering if it will ever get any easier. I’m tempted to compare my situation to others who are my age. They sure seem to have it easier than I do! I just start to believe I’m finally getting the hang of it, then life throws me a curveball in the form of a financial crisis, chronic physical pain, boundary issues in my relationships, or fear of being let go from my job.
Why must it always be so difficult?
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I imagine myself flying through the universe in a spaceship,
meteors narrowly missing me for the rest of my life.
(photo courtesy of Doug Gephardt)
I so easily forget that each challenge in my life was strategically placed or allowed to make me stronger and, ultimately, more victorious. I also forget that none of those challenges stayed longer than was necessary to accomplish the good they would bring. The people who made my life difficult were suddenly gone. The money suddenly came in. The pain was healed. And, in many cases, God was just waiting for me to bring all of it to him so that he could show me that he was listening and looking out for me. So that he could remind me of my dependence on his extravagant love and provision. And to remind me of his perspective of all of it
Then the struggle is gone! Sure, it will soon be replaced by another, but I need to remember how he showed up for me. Because he will again. And he will make me more beautiful in the process, and become more real to me and, hopefully, those around me.
I'm pretty sure I will never enjoy having problems, but it does help to remember that they will not last. The beauty he brings out of them will, though. It will all be so worth it.