Tough times make us stronger

[RoyWM]

I remember when I was new Christian and thought that "all my troubles were over now". I figured that being a Christian and being saved meant that God was going to take care of every problem in my way and I was just going to "Be on easy street". I was looking forward to being a superspiritual guy filled with love and joy...so to speak.

But it didn't happen that way and over the years I have faced many really tough problems that required tough decisions. Sometimes I blamed God for my difficulties and sometimes I thought being a Christian wasn't worth all the trouble, because it did seem at times as though life was even rougher after becoming a Christian. 

Even so, God kept me on track by feeding a bit of the Word as I needed it; thus lifting my spirit from the doldrums and putting new life and fervor into my being just when I needed it most. He pulled me back out of the really bad situations because He knew those were circumstances I could not handle.

I still face some of those kinds of things in my life today; situations that I am not equipped spiritually to handle, because I haven't matured as a Christian to that level yet. However, when I look back on my life as a Christian, I am trully amazed to discover how very far I have come. I would not recognize the person I used to be. Sure I can still make dumb mistakes and I still get angry for the wrong reasons, but I am much more at peace, more trusting of God and more loving of other people. I am not so driven to fear as I used to be because my faith is stronger to believe.

I have a natural smile on my face every day now and people love being around me thanks to God's doing. This is the new me and I like what God has done.

"No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

"The little troubles and worries of life, so many of which we meet, may be a stumbling block in our way, or we may make them stepping-stones to a noble character and to heaven. Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things." (Henry Ward Beecher)

 

[nickyandersonuk]

That is so nice to hear, i have been in a season in my life where i love trials " is this guy mad how can he say he loves trials"

let me explain in all my trials i ask God to be in them we go through them together and i stay close to him.  Whilst doing this i recieve his presence, and power and comfort, and i also recieve his advice and i when i look at the faults in me that are revealed and i change them it brilliant because i know that i am that closer to becoming more like Jeus, after all Jesus is my role model.  So i can understand why paul says count it pure joy when you face various trial.

James 1


<I>Trials and Temptations </I>

<SUP>2</SUP>Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,


I wish i learnt this and understood this years ago, what i know is not matter what stick close to God, also stick close to friends let them know your struggles it all goes&nbsp; a long way

&nbsp;

The follower of Jesus

 

[TheBear]

Roy,

Your testimony is a beautiful one. I, and I'm sure many other Christians, can surely relate. It is truly uplifting and encouraging.

Thank you for your wonderful testimony, and words of encouragement.


John

 

[RoyWM]

I remember when I was new Christian and thought that "all my troubles were over now". I figured that being a Christian and being saved meant that God was going to take care of every problem in my way and I was just going to "Be on easy street". I was looking forward to being a superspiritual guy filled with love and joy...so to speak.

But it didn't happen that way and over the years I have faced many really tough problems that required tough decisions. Sometimes I blamed God for my difficulties and sometimes I thought being a Christian wasn't worth all the trouble, because it did seem at times as though life was even rougher after becoming a Christian.&nbsp;

Even so, God kept me on track by feeding a bit of the Word as I needed it; thus lifting my spirit from the doldrums and putting new life and fervor into my being just when I needed it most. He pulled me back out of the really bad situations because He knew those were circumstances I could not handle.

I still face some of those kinds of things in my life today; situations that I am not equipped spiritually to handle, because I haven't matured as a Christian to that level yet. However, when I look back on my life as a Christian, I am trully amazed to discover how very far I have come. I would not recognize the person I used to be. Sure I can still make dumb mistakes and I still get angry for the wrong reasons, but I am much more at peace, more trusting of God and more loving of other people. I am not so driven to fear as I used to be because my faith is stronger to believe.

I have a natural smile on my face every day now and people love being around me thanks to God's doing. This is the new me and I like what God has done.

"No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

"The little troubles and worries of life, so many of which we meet, may be a stumbling block in our way, or we may make them stepping-stones to a noble character and to heaven. Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things." (Henry Ward Beecher)

Today, I was remembered of this post I made several years ago. It still seems just as relevant to me today as when I wrote it.