Week 342

Positive post Sunday, September 17, 2023- Week 342. 

This PPS builds on my Positive post Sunday, July 2, 2023- Week 331, which was intended to lift up those who may be going through challenging times.  Should you be struggling, even questioning your faith, I encourage you to read both these posts.  

Through my own personal experiences, including life threatening illness and injury and family struggles with substance abuse, I can testify that it’s during these most difficult times that we are strengthened by walking toward the Lord not away from Him.  He strengthened our family at a time when many other families were destroyed by similar hardships.  

With a strong and consistent foundation of faith, some of our most beautiful destinations and amazing experiences in life follow some of the most treacherous and challenging roads we have traveled.  We may not always understand or comprehend His response at the time, but our Lord always responds in line with his plan for us and on his timeline not ours.

All families experience challenges, from managing the stress of daily life, to mental and physical health and wellness concerns to the loss of loved ones.  My family has certainly had our share of challenges throughout the years, including all those listed above, and I expect we will continue to face more as we continue to navigate through this journey we call life.  

I am often asked how we have survived through all the struggles and challenges we have faced.  And I mean survived, physically, mentally and spiritually.  My answer has always been the same, we have not been alone.  We chose, and continue to choose, to keep our Lord at the center of our lives.  Rather than blame Him for all our suffering, we have and continue to seek His guidance, lifting our burdens up to Him.  We see our struggles and challenges as opportunities to strengthen our faith, and by the grace of God we have and will continue to do so.

There is an article from Bible Verses Pro that explores practical ways on how to have faith in God during hard times.  Bottomline, hold on steadfastly to your belief, and you will emerge from adversity with renewed strength and hope. 

How has your family been strengthened by walking toward our Lord not away from Him when navigating through the challenges you face in your life?

How do you help others emerge from adversity with renewed faith and hope?