What A Difference A Day Can Make!

A recent of breakout of illnesses that have come upon those we love and cherish – our friends – has caused Sher and I to reflect on the trials of life. James 1:2-3 puts it so well, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Honestly, we find it very hard sometimes to “consider it pure joy” when we see those who we love so much, go through such painful seasons. Hey, we are speaking in Spirit and Truth – anything less would be a lie! HOWEVER, though we may have our weak moments, Sher and I understand this, “God’s way is not out of our problems but through them.” This is how we, the Sweets, have learned from our difficulties and find God’s way for our lives. Actually, if the truth be told, every time Sher or I have come to the end of ourselves – that is where we find God truly is! Thank God! Here’s a quote that changed our lives forever, “God is not concerned with getting us out of our problems as He in getting us through our problems.” Sher and I have lived through some very serious illnesses with our children and Sher herself came very close to death back in 1995 – and God got us through each and every trial. Every time we came through it, God made a way, where there seemed to be no way, AND we came out stronger in faith. Two Scripture come to mind, Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” AND II Timothy 2:13 “Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us“ Here’s a revelation that greatly helped Sher and I get through trials (with joy, by the way), either personal or with our beloved friends and family:

1. We accept that pain is a part of life.

2. We accept that we do not have all the answers.

3. We accept that problems will always be around us.

4. We accept that there are some trials that will remain a mystery until we are face-to-face with God Himself!

This acceptance helped Sher and I live in “REALITY” – God’s reality! It helps us to “see” the way things really are so that we can better adapt and relax so that we can better focus on the trials at hand. When this happens, God can more easily direct us through our problems. You see, God will make a way when you allow him into the place of your wounds – that’s where the healing comes in!

So, “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”  Yes our friends, as hard and gut wrenching as trials may be, IF we embrace trials as gifts, we can better focus on the problems at hand, even if they hurt us. We close with: James 1:12 “God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.“

Until next time, May God Richly Bless You! Charlie-n-Sher