Often, hardships are just a path to finding God

I see the tears in their eyes. And I feel the pain in their hearts.

How do I know their anguish without their even saying a word?

Because… I, too, have been there.

What is our purpose for being here?

For what reason do we go through the things we do?

Why do we suffer?

Unveil your eyes, let your heart be at ease and your mind at rest; the Lord knows why…

We do not stand alone, God is with us, an ever-present help that we can depend on.

Let us recognize that in every challenging situation God proves His love to us. His most beautiful jewels are often delivered in arduous packages.  But as we trust in Him in the midst of difficulty and honor Him with unwavering confidence, our faith will be rewarded. Be patient in suffering and persevere in prayer, assured that God uses our tribulations to teach us to rely on Him. God is interested in our character and character is formed in difficulties.

What is the best way to have strong faith? Great faith must first endure great trials. For faith is believing what we do not yet see, and the reward for this kind of faith is to see what we believe. Many a time, God selects His most noble servants for the most notable afflictions.

A reader wrote, “If we could trust God with the big things, why not with everything. Proverbs 3:5,6  has helped me so much: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.”

Sometimes, the biggest griefs are those we cause ourselves. Our reaction is what causes us pain. Look ahead. The pendulum will swing back. Whatever bridge we have to cross, put it where it belongs and tackle it one day at a time. When we live for the present, the future takes care of itself.

Often, what appears to be a negative can turn out to be a positive by embracing a faith filled, optimistic outlook. Pessimistic thinking can be our worse enemy; therefore let us keep our hearts full of good thoughts, so that bad feelings find no room to enter.

In the realms of shadows or darkness are the places of the greatest growth. Did you know that Indian corn grows rapidly in the darkness of a warm summer evening? Many varieties of flowers bloom majestically in the shade that never flourishes in the sun and the starry splendor of the heavens cannot be seen until the night shadows slip over the evening sky. Every storm cloud can indeed become a rainbow and the rough places we may have to walk will surely become smooth.

I believe we go through trials to help others. Our challenges give us insight to make the way easier for another. Examples truly instruct. I like these quotes from General George S. Patton, “Often I have encountered in life that great disappointments have proved to be the road to future successes.” And, “Success is not getting on top; it’s how you bounce on the bottom.”

When we read about someone else’s experiences, we contemplate our own. Occurrences and examples of another’s life can help us in the ordeals we face and the adversities we conquer. We all have a mission and a purpose for our lives and to know that even one life breathed easier because you have lent a kind, helping hand is to really have achieved. 

Our life, our work and our contributions are of great importance to God. We have the ability to accomplish the impossible. Let us ask God to help us conquer the obstacles set before us, depending on His infinite wisdom to supply our needs according to HIS riches, glory and wisdom.

He has promised that all things work together for good to those who love Him. We may not see it right away, but later, down the road we will know it, as we are protected by the loving arms of God.