WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
Learning through Adversity
Psalm 119:65-80
When we expernience Adversity, we tend to wonder, Why is this happening to me? Although the answer might remain a mystery, Scripture gives us a foundation from which to view difficulties. God's Word tells us that we live in a falled world filled with sinful people, that even the redeemed are not exempt from trouble, and that Satan has great influences here.
But as believers, we know God uses our troubles to accomplish His good purposes. Although they are sometimes the Lord's means of correcting us when we stray, trials also teach us to depend on Him rather than ourselves and to trust He will supply our needs. A diet of nothing but manna must have seemed like a great trial to the Israelites wonder in the wilderness. Yet that was God's means of humbling them and teaching that He alone was their Provider (Deut. 8:3)
Understanding these things about God, you can begin to recognize adversity as a reminder of His great love. And not only that, but difficulties are also a way to know Him more intimately--that is, you won't ever experience God as Comforter if you're never in need of comfort. So whatever the reason for your trial, realize that He has allowed it for your good (Romans 8:28)
Psalm 119:65-80
When we expernience Adversity, we tend to wonder, Why is this happening to me? Although the answer might remain a mystery, Scripture gives us a foundation from which to view difficulties. God's Word tells us that we live in a falled world filled with sinful people, that even the redeemed are not exempt from trouble, and that Satan has great influences here.
But as believers, we know God uses our troubles to accomplish His good purposes. Although they are sometimes the Lord's means of correcting us when we stray, trials also teach us to depend on Him rather than ourselves and to trust He will supply our needs. A diet of nothing but manna must have seemed like a great trial to the Israelites wonder in the wilderness. Yet that was God's means of humbling them and teaching that He alone was their Provider (Deut. 8:3)
Understanding these things about God, you can begin to recognize adversity as a reminder of His great love. And not only that, but difficulties are also a way to know Him more intimately--that is, you won't ever experience God as Comforter if you're never in need of comfort. So whatever the reason for your trial, realize that He has allowed it for your good (Romans 8:28)
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Saving Troubled Friendships
Matthew 5:21-26
We all want our friendships to last. But each relationship involves two imperfect humans who were born with a sinful nature--that means hurt feelings are bound to happen. And if they go unaddressed, the friendship can be damaged. How do we avoid this common pitfall?
First acknowledge that damage exist. This takes place the moment you say, "something isn't right. I'd like for us to find and fix the problem." It's helpful to work together to assess how the trouble began--perhaps it resulted from a misunderstanding, as unresolved conflict, one person's busyness, etc.
After recognizing the problem, take responsibility for your part in it. Apologize without justifying your actions or blaming someone else--doing so shows love and commitement.
An apology must be followed up with amends. Ask you friend what specific action you both can take to rebuild the relationship, and then be sure to do it.
Repairing a troubled friendship requires humility to admit faults, effort to fix the problem, and time to heal. Instead of waiting until a relationship is in trouble, wise friends will go through these steps as soon as they are aware of having hurt loved one. Preventating care can soothe minor scrapes before they become serious wounds.
Saving Troubled Friendships
Matthew 5:21-26
We all want our friendships to last. But each relationship involves two imperfect humans who were born with a sinful nature--that means hurt feelings are bound to happen. And if they go unaddressed, the friendship can be damaged. How do we avoid this common pitfall?
First acknowledge that damage exist. This takes place the moment you say, "something isn't right. I'd like for us to find and fix the problem." It's helpful to work together to assess how the trouble began--perhaps it resulted from a misunderstanding, as unresolved conflict, one person's busyness, etc.
After recognizing the problem, take responsibility for your part in it. Apologize without justifying your actions or blaming someone else--doing so shows love and commitement.
An apology must be followed up with amends. Ask you friend what specific action you both can take to rebuild the relationship, and then be sure to do it.
Repairing a troubled friendship requires humility to admit faults, effort to fix the problem, and time to heal. Instead of waiting until a relationship is in trouble, wise friends will go through these steps as soon as they are aware of having hurt loved one. Preventating care can soothe minor scrapes before they become serious wounds.