Heart Choices: In Other Words Tuesdays ~ Trials of Life -->

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In Other Words Tuesdays ~ Trials of Life


It's In Other Words Tuesday and Loni of Writing Canvas is our host this week. Here's the quote that Loni has chosen for us to write about: This one really hits home for me during this season in my life. But God has a purpose and a plan for my life.

And I have a choice to make.

Do I choose to embrace God's plan?

Or do I choose my own plan which might seem easier and less painful?

What do I do?
  • Walk by faith ...even when I don't understand.
  • Or walk by sight ...when I can figure things out for myself and see where I'm going.

I consider the story of Paul in the Bible. Acts 16:22-24 provides a description of painful circumstances.

  • Stripped and beaten publicly
  • Thrown into prison
  • Placed in the inner cell
  • Feet fastened in stocks

I don't know about you but I've never experienced trials that can compare to what Paul went through.

And yet, how did Paul respond to these trials?

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." Acts 16:25

I'm not sure I would respond in the same manner, particularly when I complain about my own trials. But Paul's response teaches me how to respond.

When life seems overwhelming, troubling and uncertain ...I can still have joy.

Christmas Decorations at Rich Gifts Graphics & Blog Design for Christian Ministry

When I don't understand the why's in my life ...I can still praise and worship God.

When I feel like I'm not in control ...I can trust God who is in control.

When I am afraid ...I can remember that He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me.

I can have joy because of my relationship with Jesus. I trust Him in the midst of my trials. I can trust Him with the outcome of my trials. I know He has a purpose ...for my good and His glory.

Did you notice that in Paul's trial "the other prisoners were listening to them"?

What do people see when you are going through your trials?

The world is watching. Is your response any different from the response of people who don't know Jesus as their Savior and Lord?

Will you choose to trust God with your trial and allow Him to provide you with His joy and peace in the midst of it?

It will speak volumes to those who are listening and watching you.


Joy image credit: A gift from Edie of Rich Gifts Graphics & Blog Design

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Debbie Petras
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16 comments:

  1. Praise God for knowing that He is in control, love you my friend.

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  2. This was great Debbie. And what a peace it brings to my heart KNOWING it is all in His hands. Our joy is in Him. Have a great day. Blessings, Debbie

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  3. "Will you choose to trust God with your trial and allow Him to provide you with His joy and peace in the midst of it?"

    I LOVE that!

    So good knowing HE is in control and not me. WHOO!!

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  4. Blessings Debbie...

    Ephesians 2:10 For YOU are God's Masterpiece!

    He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."

    You chose a great plan! I LOVE the
    WHENs...and mostly what you do or should do...love that you praise, worship, trust, remember His promises...and give me much to ponder. Thanks for sharing this season & your growth with us!
    Embracing God's plan for you & I!

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  5. Such a good reminder that the world is watching when we are going through trials. Our testimony can shine with how we trust God when all seems to be harsh. Bless you for sharing. Praying for you as you walk through this current trial.

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  6. Amazing post and testimony that we are in control how we choose to act and react. Thank you for this reminder and blessing!

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  7. Amazing post and testimony that we are in control how we choose to act and react. Thank you for this reminder and blessing!

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  8. Great post! My mom showed me through her trials that she always trusted God and never lost her joy, even on the day she died.

    I wrote about that day, if you're interested:http://notminebutgodsstory.blogspot.com/2008/02/joy-of-lord.html

    In His Grace,
    Tammy

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  9. Looks like you had great material to meditate and write on. This is such a good message! It's so encouraging to remember that when things don't go our way, that's because they're going God's way.

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  10. Thank you for those great thoughts and reminders, dear Debbie. Blessings and Hugs ~

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  11. Debbie, this is a very powerful post. You are right - we can make the choice of acting on impulse (one of the traits I still battle) or will I trust God? As I get older, I trust God because I know that He is faithful and knows what is best for me. On the other - I am not so good on choosing the best path...

    Thank you so much, my sweet friend. I needed to read this post tonight.

    Love you...

    Iris

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  12. How wonderful today, well every day :) I like the thing about Paul in prison, he continued to trust God and was even able to sing praises from his cell at midnight. I've been up at midnight before from my cell in life surrounded by what imprisoned me and I was crying not praising. We need to trust more and worry less.

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  13. A beautiful post, Debbie. Thanks for writing so eloquently on this subject, which is ALWAYS crucial.

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  14. I loved your post. The world is definitely watching and we have some great lessons from Paul. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. Yay Debbie! You are so right... it's the choices we make when 'the rubber hits the road' that make ALL the difference. It's my way or God's way... and you are choosing to trust God during this time in your life. Remember... He's got you, and He's not going to let go!

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  16. Amen, sister!

    We talked in Bible study this week about how praising God is our weapon to fight against Satan and gain control of our minds again. You're right on!

    May God give you peace as you choose to accept His plan. Hang in there, Debbie. As the song goes, "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus."

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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