Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Tough Times

Below is an excerpt from a book I'm reading. It really spoke to my heart.


Our appetites in life determine how we respond in a trial. I have since been in the same circumstances and have not handled the pressure of empty cupboards quite as graciously. But never has lack upset my spiritual apple cart when Jesus was really my First Love.

Pressure brings everything to the surface— the good, the bad, and the ugly. While I don’t like it, pressure comes because of the mercy of God. Can you imagine what it would be like to live an entire life without seeing what was in our hearts through trial?

Many people turn their attention to how others have wronged them during their season of testing. That is one of the devil’s better tricks. If I can be preoccupied with what’s wrong with you, I’ll never be in a place to see my own heart. If I can’t see my heart, I can’t repent and be changed. Let’s face it, holiness— becoming like Jesus— is the purpose behind every trial.

The Kingdom of God is so different from everything else we know. Brokenness comes before healing. Weakness is the first step to strength. Seeing our hopeless condition is the prerequisite to experiencing His transforming power.

Johnson, Bill (2010-12-01). Center of the Universe: A Look at Life From the Lighter Side (p. 20). Destiny Image. Kindle Edition.