Heart Choices: Life Isn't Easy -->

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Life Isn't Easy


Life isn't easy! I used to wonder what was wrong with me.

I really don't watch many of those TV preachers but there are some who claim that as a Christian, I should have:

  • Good health
  • Wealth and prosperity
  • Happiness

Hmm ...what am I doing wrong?

I had poor health as a child but now my health is good.

I've had poverty, wealth, more wealth and not much wealth.

I've had many moments of happiness but also many moments of sadness and even some depression.

My life seems to be a series of ups and downs. No smooth sailing for me! What is wrong with me?

Listen to what the Bible says:

1 Peter 4:12-13 "Dear friends, do not be suprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed."

There are times when I've suffered because of the consequences of the poor choices I've made.

There are other times when I've suffered because of someone else's sin.

But there are also times when I suffer and ...I don't know the reason.

So, what do I do? I choose to pray for God's wisdom and strength. It seems I learn to depend more and more on Him when I go through my trials. And I hate to admit this, but I learn the most important lessons when I'm going through difficult circumstances.

I've learned that He will supply what I need for this day. By faith, I believe it and so I'm able to persevere and trust Him. I take it day by day and often ...moment by moment.

How about you? Has it been smooth sailing for you? Or do you find lots of struggles in your life? What do you learn when you go through difficult and challenging circumstances? How do you choose to respond? Have you become bitter or better?


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Debbie Petras
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14 comments:

  1. No smooth sailing here sweetie, but I am not complaining. I am made stronger through the rough times, and grow closer to my Lord. After all, Jesus sure did not have smooth sailing. Wonderful post, love you.

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  3. AMEN AMEN AMEN!

    Scott is teaching this exact thing Debbie right now in 1 Thes. I know I am WAY behind on his teachings - but you will LOVE what he is sharing!

    Hugs and much love - I am blessed to be counted worthy to be that nail!

    Jill

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  4. I love the cartoon - so very very true! It's just hard to remember that in the midst of getting hit on the head! :-)

    I'm being hit on the head right now - and often - but know that our faith and perserverence are being increased with every "blow"... and I know that the "hits" are as gentle as they can be in order to drive the nail home without damaging it or the wood.

    love to you... Jennifer

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  5. Debbie - As I began to make my morning juice God spoke to me again about this.

    It is a heart choice - to count it ALL joy or to grumble and complain. Which He clearly says do ALL things without arguing or disputing.

    We are to rejoice that God is growing our faith in Him and to trust that His plan no matter what it looks or feels like to us - is for our good and HIS GLORY!

    He is FAITHFUL and will get us through it all when we keep our eyes on Him - His perfect love and peace surrounds us!

    Love you!
    Jill

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  6. I also avoid the "name it, claim it" prosperity teaching, which I refer to as "blab and grab" theology.

    We need to focus on the end result of hard times. That's where God's blessings and promises come to fruition. Thank you for this great reminder.

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  7. Great Blog, continue to lift up the name of Jesus!

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  8. Oh my...one hundreds amens from this girl.

    One of the best books I read that helped me realize living with hardships could be a very godly thing was An Arrow Pointing To Heaven, the biography of Rich Mullins.

    I just read the sermon on the mount today and it pretty much says that if you enjoy riches, health and prosperity here, you've already gotten your reward. But if you are poor, hungry and sad here, your rewards in heaven are GREAT!

    Love you,
    Sandy

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  9. Hi sweet friend, Loved this post-and you know those trials also tech us to pray. Have a good day-I'm lifting you up!
    Hugs, Noreen

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  10. Sweetie,

    Don't get me started on the poor, misguided or false teaching going around today. Best teaching is found in the BIBLE.

    You are not strange. There isn't anything wrong with you. You are experiencing in your life what we all go through. The ups, downs and middle ground. The valley low's and mountain highs.

    Here's the most important part of it to me is that GOD IS IN THE MIDST WITH ME ALWAYS and WITH YOU TOO.

    I love you so very much. I thank GOD for not only bringing our paths to meet but merging them to be ONE in HIM.

    You're in my prayers.

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  11. Oh, yes ...like the picture of the road on your post...some ups and downs... but like how this picture shows...is the beauty of His presence that is there...but we have to determine to see it, feel it, and know that it is there.

    i felt such sadness when my mom first passed away (even though I had the joy and assurance of her faith and salvation. even though I will be able to see her again.) I felt times during when our son was going through treatments for cancer, where I couldn't breathe...but always, always the Lord was with us...and it was just me holding my breath.

    I am thankful that I know that God is faithful, despite what the enemy may try to do.

    Thank you so much for stopping by. I really do look forward and cherish your comments :o)

    Blessings & Aloha!

    *oh the lighthouse drawing was drawn with a gentleman's first name "Jessie"*

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  12. Dear Debbie,
    I think you wrote this "lesson" just for me.
    It hit me,- like a hammer.
    And it made me feel wiser and more comfortable with life, just as it is.
    Instead of getting deeper into the wood, I often bend over and complain when feeling the blow of the hammer.

    At the same time I must admit, I'm clinging to God just because I cannot manage life without him.
    Maybe, if life was all easy and laughter and I didn't need the support of God and also his forgiveness, maybe then I'd turn my back from him.

    My grandmother used to say;"It takes a strong back to carry good days."
    I being sixty this year, and I am not that strong yet.
    But I can testify God has never turned his back to me, never.
    From Felisol

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  13. What a wonderful post! One that I certainly identify with! So much that it could have been me that wrote it! Thank you. Blessings!

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  14. Excellent post, this one just really ministered to me. Loved the highway leading down into the valley and going right back up again. That's life here on this earth, but one day, we'll walk on streets of gold, smooth and free of the hard times.

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