Category Archives: Challenges & Difficulty

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December 6, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, Love & Works, Prayer

Intercession – (Prayer part 5)

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. [Psalm 107:6-9 (ESV)]

Merciful Lord, we offer this prayer for those who are overwhelmed by their life’s difficulties. Take pity on them and heal their troubled souls. Encourage and empower them as they struggle with their problems. Reassure them of your unwavering love and renew their faith so they know you are with them at all times and in all places.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. [Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

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November 10, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, God's Promises

Spiritual Muscle Building

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. [1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)]

Comfort and serenity are wonderful (and I prefer them), but tranquility doesn’t help us mature into the people God wants us to be. Difficulties are His way of building our spiritual muscles. It’s in times of hardship, adversity and pain that the qualities of honor, integrity and courage develop. Lord, may we have thankful hearts and willing spirits, not just in times of plenty and peace, but in times of pain and hardship, as well.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through trial and suffering is the soul strengthened. [Helen Keller]

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October 30, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, God's Plan

Life’s Little Detours

A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps. [Proverbs 16:9 (GW)]

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Sometimes, there are unexpected deviations in life’s journey and God takes us on alternate routes. Perhaps there is a mission for us to accomplish or a lesson that needs to be learned before returning to the original plan. Give us, O Lord, thankful hearts for the tasks and learning opportunities you give us on these unexpected routes.

I suspect, however, that sometimes we’re sent the roundabout way simply so you can show us some hidden beauty that we might have missed had we kept to our original schedule and route. Help us, O Lord, to see and enjoy the scenery in all of life’s detours.

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October 18, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, God's Word: The Bible, Wisdom & Guidance

Sometimes We’re Slow Learners

Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! [Psalm 119:6-8 (NLT)]

Teacher God, each day’s events provide lessons in which you show us how to live. It is up to us, however, to choose what it is we learn from these experiences. Sometimes we resist you and it takes several lessons before we finally understand and accept your message. Thank you for not giving up on us; please, make us attentive to your instruction today.

 

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October 9, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, God's Grace & Love

God’s Prescriptions

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? … No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. [Romans 8:35,37 (NLT)]

When life hurts, when we are in pain or trouble, suffering or desolate, desperate or depressed, does that mean God doesn’t love us? No! God love us and will never abandon us. Anything that brings us to our knees and makes us call out to Him can’t ever be a bad thing!

Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them; and he proportions the frequency and weight of them to what the case requires. Let us trust his skill and thank him for his prescription. [Sir Isaac Newton]

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October 8, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, God's Promises

Life Can be Unpredictable; Let’s Be Prepared

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! [Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT)]

Father, we are not equipped to meet the challenges of this day alone. But, with you at our side, we can weather any storm. Grant us the peace, courage and strength necessary to get us through the tempests (and temptations) of life.