Word for Today, Tue, 17 May 2005: Ways to Overcome Extreme Difficulty

#1 · May 16, 2005, 4:22 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on May 16, 2005, 4:22 pm
Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Word for Today, Tue, 17 May 2005: Ways to Overcome Extreme Difficulty
Dear friends,

Larry Davies has written an article about dealing with tragedy,
or, as I describe it, dealing with and overcoming extreme
difficulty.

In one case, Job appealed to God. He didn't see anything wrong
with the way he was doing things, but then he questioned and
challenged God.

In the other case, a man named John struggled because he had
difficulties in ministry.

In this message, Larry tells us a bit about Job. In a future
message we will hear about John, Lord willing.

Meanwhile, I think we ought to turn to God each day. When we
don't know what to do, I think it is the best thing to go to God.

For me, personally, I don't want to challenge God on why things
are the way they are. Sometimes I ask God why my situation is
the way it is, but my attitude is one of "Lord, please teach me
by what I am going through to learn from you. If I'm going
through a struggle because of my own disobedience, please reveal
to me areas where my life does not agree with Your principles or
Your best way. If I am going through a struggle because You want
to strengthen me, please do so, and give me the patience and
endurance to go through it".

Quite frankly, I've been through quite a struggle that just won't
seem to end. I lost a very good job in the software industry in
June 2001 and I have been struggling to make ends meet ever
since. I used to have retirement savings, so for a while, I was
able to supplement what little income I had by living off those
savings. That's long gone. I did some writing work, I did some
software product support work, and that helped a little, but it
didn't last.

I got into substitute teaching and that helped us squeak by a bit
longer, but that wasn't enough. I became a teaching assistant
and that helped a little more, but the income just wasn't enough
to support my family, and just as frustrating, it wasn't suited
to what I do best.

I know in my heart that God has plans for my life, and I know
that somehow my life will be a testimony to others of how I
messed things up and how God, out of His gracious love, helped me
through struggle after struggle until He taught me and changed
me.

I still don't know what I'm being changed for, nor what I may
become. I only pray that God will use me in it and through it,
wherever that journey may take me.

Let's read Larry's story about Job and keep this one in mind for
next week.

Yours in Christ,
Brian

____________________________

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

Read 'Sowing Seeds of Faith...' every day of the year. Click
here and save the site to your favorites list.
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/Devotions.htm

Are you a frustrated, unpublished writer looking for a chance to
prove yourself and gain an audience? If so, try your hand at The
Sowing Seeds Ministry eighth annual writing contest. First place
submissions in each of four categories will receive $100, be
published on the Sowing Seeds web page and on our email column
which goes out to thousands of subscribers around the world.
Click here for more information:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/writing.htm

-----------------------

"Overcoming Tragedy: Two Men Named J..." Larry Davies

John was born and raised within a very large family in England.
His father was a small town preacher so John experienced poverty
first hand. His mother home schooled all the children with
discipline as rigorous as the best schools in the area. John was
raised in a strict environment. As a young boy, he was rescued
from a burning second story window moments before the roof caved
in. John would refer to this incident repeatedly as testimony he
was delivered by the hand of God for a unique mission.

Soon after graduating from seminary, John felt the call to become
a chaplain and missionary across the sea in a newly developed
colony which included prisoners and a local tribe of Indians.
John, fresh out of the disciplined life of school was not
prepared for the harsh life of living deep in the country.
Often, John wore his formal attire even when working in the
woods. His insistence on holding worship services as if he were
in London seemed odd. The Indians and everyone else mostly
laughed at him.

On top of all this, John also fell in love but couldn't seem
to make up his mind whether to marry her. He should have but he
didn't. Tired of waiting, she gave up on him and married
someone else. Furious, John later refused to serve communion to
the couple. This unfortunate incident turned out to be the last
straw for everyone because soon, John was back on a ship headed
toward England.

On the journey home there was a ferocious storm. The ship was
tossed erratically amidst the monstrous waves. John, feeling
depressed because of his failed mission was also heartbroken,
seasick and scared out of his wits. Yet, it was at this point
John's life was about to turn around.

In another time and place, Job was also caught up in a severe
storm. Job was a prosperous farmer living in the land of Uz. He
is described by God as "the finest man in all the earth
... a man of complete integrity." (Job 1:8) But Job
through no fault of his own loses his possessions, his family and
even his health until he is left desolate and alone, sitting on
an ash heap scrapping his itching, boil covered skin with a
broken piece of pottery. Oh yeah, sitting with him are three
friends: Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar.

Job cries out to God proclaiming his innocence while his
so-called friends begin to offer possible explanations:
"Maybe, you did something wrong? Could it be your
children's fault? Somebody must have done something wrong!
You are simply being disciplined. Don't be angry with God,
it's your fault! Shut up; you have no right to
complain." Whoa! With friends like these three guys, who
needs friends?

Don't become smug because Job's friends represent our
own well-meaning response when people around us find themselves
caught up in a vicious storm. Instead of compassion, you offer
cheap explanations. Instead of help, I offer unwanted criticism.
Instead of empathy we offer slanderous gossip. Meanwhile, Job
confused and even angry at times continues crying out to almighty
God!

"If only I had someone who would listen to me and try to see
my side!" says Job. "Look, I will sign my name to my
defense. Let the almighty show me that I am wrong... I would
face the accusation proudly." (31:35-36) In other
words... where is God when caught in a storm? Good question!

Two men, who share no common bonds except a name beginning with
the letter J; now share familiar calamities. Both are enveloped
in vicious squalls, looking for answers and ultimately looking
for any sign of hope from the God they love and serve. In the
midst of yet another storm, God appears:

"Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind. Brace
yourself because I have questions for you... Where were you
when I laid the foundation of the earth? Who defined the
boundaries of the sea? Have you ever commanded the morning to
appear? Where does the light come from? Can you hold back the
movements of the stars?" (Parts of Job 38) Instead of
answering Job's questions, God asks a few penetrating
questions of his own. How can this possibly help Job or John
deal with tragedy?

Yet in the midst of the conversation, Job seems to comprehend who
God really is. Job says, "I know that you can do
anything... and I was talking about things I did not
understand, things too wonderful for me... I take back
everything I said." (42:2-3) What did Job understand? How
will this help John?

---------------------------

Next week: Answers for the storms of life from God, for John,
Job and you.

Read Sowing Seeds of Faith... everyday! Click here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/Devotions.htm

Are you receiving prayer concerns from around the world? Join
our prayer team today. Check it out by clicking here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

How can I regularly support your ministry? Become a Sowing Seeds
Ministry partner. Click here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/ministry_partner.htm

Jesus said: "You are the light of the world--like a city on
a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide
your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it
shine for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)

"Breaking the Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's
Recipe for a Better Life" now on sale only through our
website. www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
mail.yahoo.com

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Word for Today, Tue, 17 May 2005: Ways to Overcome Extreme Difficulty
Dear friends,

Larry Davies has written an article about dealing with tragedy,
or, as I describe it, dealing with and overcoming extreme
difficulty.

In one case, Job appealed to God. He didn't see anything wrong
with the way he was doing things, but then he questioned and
challenged God.

In the other case, a man named John struggled because he had
difficulties in ministry.

In this message, Larry tells us a bit about Job. In a future
message we will hear about John, Lord willing.

Meanwhile, I think we ought to turn to God each day. When we
don't know what to do, I think it is the best thing to go to God.

For me, personally, I don't want to challenge God on why things
are the way they are. Sometimes I ask God why my situation is
the way it is, but my attitude is one of "Lord, please teach me
by what I am going through to learn from you. If I'm going
through a struggle because of my own disobedience, please reveal
to me areas where my life does not agree with Your principles or
Your best way. If I am going through a struggle because You want
to strengthen me, please do so, and give me the patience and
endurance to go through it".

Quite frankly, I've been through quite a struggle that just won't
seem to end. I lost a very good job in the software industry in
June 2001 and I have been struggling to make ends meet ever
since. I used to have retirement savings, so for a while, I was
able to supplement what little income I had by living off those
savings. That's long gone. I did some writing work, I did some
software product support work, and that helped a little, but it
didn't last.

I got into substitute teaching and that helped us squeak by a bit
longer, but that wasn't enough. I became a teaching assistant
and that helped a little more, but the income just wasn't enough
to support my family, and just as frustrating, it wasn't suited
to what I do best.

I know in my heart that God has plans for my life, and I know
that somehow my life will be a testimony to others of how I
messed things up and how God, out of His gracious love, helped me
through struggle after struggle until He taught me and changed
me.

I still don't know what I'm being changed for, nor what I may
become. I only pray that God will use me in it and through it,
wherever that journey may take me.

Let's read Larry's story about Job and keep this one in mind for
next week.

Yours in Christ,
Brian

____________________________

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

Read 'Sowing Seeds of Faith...' every day of the year. Click
here and save the site to your favorites list.
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/Devotions.htm

Are you a frustrated, unpublished writer looking for a chance to
prove yourself and gain an audience? If so, try your hand at The
Sowing Seeds Ministry eighth annual writing contest. First place
submissions in each of four categories will receive $100, be
published on the Sowing Seeds web page and on our email column
which goes out to thousands of subscribers around the world.
Click here for more information:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/writing.htm

-----------------------

"Overcoming Tragedy: Two Men Named J..." Larry Davies

John was born and raised within a very large family in England.
His father was a small town preacher so John experienced poverty
first hand. His mother home schooled all the children with
discipline as rigorous as the best schools in the area. John was
raised in a strict environment. As a young boy, he was rescued
from a burning second story window moments before the roof caved
in. John would refer to this incident repeatedly as testimony he
was delivered by the hand of God for a unique mission.

Soon after graduating from seminary, John felt the call to become
a chaplain and missionary across the sea in a newly developed
colony which included prisoners and a local tribe of Indians.
John, fresh out of the disciplined life of school was not
prepared for the harsh life of living deep in the country.
Often, John wore his formal attire even when working in the
woods. His insistence on holding worship services as if he were
in London seemed odd. The Indians and everyone else mostly
laughed at him.

On top of all this, John also fell in love but couldn't seem
to make up his mind whether to marry her. He should have but he
didn't. Tired of waiting, she gave up on him and married
someone else. Furious, John later refused to serve communion to
the couple. This unfortunate incident turned out to be the last
straw for everyone because soon, John was back on a ship headed
toward England.

On the journey home there was a ferocious storm. The ship was
tossed erratically amidst the monstrous waves. John, feeling
depressed because of his failed mission was also heartbroken,
seasick and scared out of his wits. Yet, it was at this point
John's life was about to turn around.

In another time and place, Job was also caught up in a severe
storm. Job was a prosperous farmer living in the land of Uz. He
is described by God as "the finest man in all the earth
... a man of complete integrity." (Job 1:8) But Job
through no fault of his own loses his possessions, his family and
even his health until he is left desolate and alone, sitting on
an ash heap scrapping his itching, boil covered skin with a
broken piece of pottery. Oh yeah, sitting with him are three
friends: Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar.

Job cries out to God proclaiming his innocence while his
so-called friends begin to offer possible explanations:
"Maybe, you did something wrong? Could it be your
children's fault? Somebody must have done something wrong!
You are simply being disciplined. Don't be angry with God,
it's your fault! Shut up; you have no right to
complain." Whoa! With friends like these three guys, who
needs friends?

Don't become smug because Job's friends represent our
own well-meaning response when people around us find themselves
caught up in a vicious storm. Instead of compassion, you offer
cheap explanations. Instead of help, I offer unwanted criticism.
Instead of empathy we offer slanderous gossip. Meanwhile, Job
confused and even angry at times continues crying out to almighty
God!

"If only I had someone who would listen to me and try to see
my side!" says Job. "Look, I will sign my name to my
defense. Let the almighty show me that I am wrong... I would
face the accusation proudly." (31:35-36) In other
words... where is God when caught in a storm? Good question!

Two men, who share no common bonds except a name beginning with
the letter J; now share familiar calamities. Both are enveloped
in vicious squalls, looking for answers and ultimately looking
for any sign of hope from the God they love and serve. In the
midst of yet another storm, God appears:

"Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind. Brace
yourself because I have questions for you... Where were you
when I laid the foundation of the earth? Who defined the
boundaries of the sea? Have you ever commanded the morning to
appear? Where does the light come from? Can you hold back the
movements of the stars?" (Parts of Job 38) Instead of
answering Job's questions, God asks a few penetrating
questions of his own. How can this possibly help Job or John
deal with tragedy?

Yet in the midst of the conversation, Job seems to comprehend who
God really is. Job says, "I know that you can do
anything... and I was talking about things I did not
understand, things too wonderful for me... I take back
everything I said." (42:2-3) What did Job understand? How
will this help John?

---------------------------

Next week: Answers for the storms of life from God, for John,
Job and you.

Read Sowing Seeds of Faith... everyday! Click here:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/Devotions.htm

Are you receiving prayer concerns from around the world? Join
our prayer team today. Check it out by clicking here:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

How can I regularly support your ministry? Become a Sowing Seeds
Ministry partner. Click here:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/ministry_partner.htm

Jesus said: "You are the light of the world--like a city on
a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide
your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it
shine for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)

"Breaking the Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's
Recipe for a Better Life" now on sale only through our
website. http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: http://www.geocities.com/masinick/

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
mail.yahoo.com