When we hear about other people going through hardship in a noble way, it can actually be a source of encouragement for us. First, we sympathize with their situation and offer help. But it can also make us think: ‘If they can do it, so can I!’ We can learn from their example. Recently I … Continue reading What he did with his hardship
hardship
How you picture your future
There’s an old story about two men who were thrown into a dungeon. One man learned that his family was dead. But the other learned that his family was alive and waiting for him if and when he ever got out. The one who learned that his family was dead wasted away and died rather … Continue reading How you picture your future
For those who are suffering
There is a lot of suffering in the world. There is personal anguish and anxiety. There is family and relationship stress. There is oppression and violence and war. None of this surprises me because we live in a broken world. But it bothers me. It bothers me because it’s not what God intended. So, in … Continue reading For those who are suffering
Everything you need for joy
Robert Reed says this: “I have everything I need for joy.” Everything. But here’s the backstory. He was born with an illness that resulted in his hands and feet being twisted. He can’t brush his teeth by himself. Or comb his hair. Or bathe himself. But that didn’t stop him from graduating high school, or … Continue reading Everything you need for joy
Perpetuating the illusion
Life isn’t about what your circumstances are, but who you become despite your circumstances. That’s something I’ve been sharing with you this week. As a part of that we’ve spent time with Romans 5:3-4 (ESV) where Paul says that “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” But then in verse 5 … Continue reading Perpetuating the illusion
The #1 factor for spiritual growth?
I think the number one factor that contributes to your spiritual growth and to your maturity as a person is... Difficult circumstances. Granted, I don’t have any data to back that up. But that’s what I think after talking to hundreds of people, reading hundreds of books, and from my own personal experience. First, difficult … Continue reading The #1 factor for spiritual growth?
God’s heart?
Have you ever heard someone say, “Hey, I know you’re going through a tough time, but don’t worry: God won’t give you more than you can handle.” It’s often well-intentioned. And some people think it’s from the Bible. (It’s not.) A part of the reason this expression concerns me is because I think it misleads … Continue reading God’s heart?
Newsflash: Things WILL go wrong
When I was young I dreamed about the perfect day. Pancakes in the morning, no school, road hockey all day… Such is the imagination of a 7-year old boy. When we grow up we still dream about what a perfect day might be like. But, of course, it rarely happens. Yet that doesn’t stop us … Continue reading Newsflash: Things WILL go wrong
Meet Adversity, your teacher and trainer
A bunch of people were put in a room and each given the same short story to read. It was about a young man who went through several difficult hardships. Then they were given a pencil and were invited to cross out anything in the story they thought would result in the young man having … Continue reading Meet Adversity, your teacher and trainer
No matter the chaos around you
We live in turbulent times. In North America, over 40 million people are diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. There seems to be sabre-rattling between North Korea and America. There are natural disasters. Terror attacks continue in Las Vegas, Manhattan, and elsewhere. Plus, the past 100 years have been plagued with global conflict. All of this … Continue reading No matter the chaos around you
