Today’s Devotional: the difference between ‘if’ and ‘when’
We ask ourselves, “what if?” questions all the time. What if I lost my job? What if the stock market crashed? What if my significant other left me? Theoretical questions like those often bring about undue stress and worry. It is only when we face trials that we learn our greatest life lessons.
In the following devotional, Our Daily Bread talks about how real life trials are necessary for growth:
Real trials in life are not ifs—they are whens. In fact, life’s most profound lessons cannot simply be observed, they must be experienced. It is there, in actual seasons of heartache and loss, that we gain greater insights into life, faith, and our need of God. To that end, James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3).
Read the rest of the devotional at Our Daily Bread.
What trials have helped you grow? Did you count is as “joy” when you were in the midst of them?
I must say I am a little taken aback by the reference to one’s “significant other” leaving. I know it is the politically correct term in society, but it seems to me that a blog devoted to Christian teachings would use the reference of “spouse”. “Significant other” generally someone refers to a person (either the opposite or same sex) whom they are living with in a marital type relationship, without the benefit of marriage, a situation the Bible clearly speaks against.
Hi,
I took no exception to the term “significant other” because I sometimes felt that way about a guy I was dating. We were not married and did not live together. We never even kissed. We were however dating and very close friends. I believe the term was used to include Christians like myself who are still struggling to find their spouse. I’m still having faith that God will bring me some one better or knock some sense into the one that left. He is still significant to me. Just because we didn’t last to the point of marriage or cohabitation does not mean he was not my significant other. We spent over a year dating. That is significant to me.
@ Dana – just read your post and felt the need to comment on the fact that you said you were “struggling” to find a spouse. Single life is a blessed state of which women should wait joyfully to be FOUND. If you look at being single the way you have describe, you run the risk of coming off desperate, which could run guys away (no one likes to feel pressured). I understand being patient might be easier said than done, but pray for God’s patience, sit back and enjoy life and WAIT to be found. As for the guy who needs “sense” knocked into him – God may be saying he’s not for you. Guys who want us do not leave or “take breaks” or any of that. Take time to clear your head and heart of him. If you want to be married you have to take time to ensure you are prepared to receive a potential spouse. I’m sure your spouse is coming, but look towards your future not your past. I can tell you from my experience that none of the guys I wanted to be my husband (for reasons I had in my head) ended up being my husband. The man who wants to marry you will pursue you with strong intentions and there will be no question about what or who he wants. Let go and let God. May the Lord continue to bless you.
Renee, you are so wise and compassionate in helping Dana. It Blessed my soul to read your comment. Dana I pray and hope that you were able to take it all in. It is all so right for Renee to speak such truth the only thing that I would have added to her comment is this MATTHEW 6:33.
Dana Wait!and realize who the Lord has developed you to be. You have not come to fullment because you do not acknowledge who you are in Christ Jesus. When you do that husband will come and you will complament each other.
God Bless You Both!