Daily Stop & Thinks

Life’s Difficulties

Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations. (Oliver Goldsmith, 18^th century Anglo-Irish novelist )

Central African friends have often described the hazardous road conditions they face in the rainy seasons. Bridges wash out, rivers are swollen, and the mud sucks vehicles down into the ditch. But, life must go on and extra measures are taken to overcome the hazards. There are times in life itself when you simply must overcome trials that face you and persevere to the end.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance (Romans 5:3).

Cultural Changes

I fear for the future of authentic faith in our country. (William Wilberforce, 18^th-19^th century British parliamentarian)

His words from time past in England seem even more relevant today as he continues: “We live in a time when the common man in our country is thoroughly influenced by the current climate in which the cultural and educational elite propagates an anti-Christian message.” You don’t even have to be a Christian to see the cultural changes that threaten our democracy.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think (Romans 12:2).

Do it!

Every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. (Lao Tzu, ancient Chinese philosopher)

This sentiment has been expressed by many people over many years. It still is a challenge for those of us who are procrastinators. We just don’t like to leap into the next project before we have figured it all out. Planning is important, of course, but delay can be costly. So, prepare and plan, but stop waiting any longer. “As Nike might say, “Just do it!”

Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do (Proverbs 6:4).

Hardships and Lessons

Remember that life’s greatest lessons are usually learned at the worst times and from the worst mistakes. (Anthony Gucciardi, entrepreneur)

Another unknown writer acknowledges the difficulty but takes a positive view of life: “Life is a journey with problems to solve and lessons to learn but most of all experiences to enjoy.” Rather than sulking about our problems, it would be more helpful to ask, “What can I learn from this difficulty?” No matter how hard the situation, the lessons learned can bring lasting joy.

You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth (Psalm 71:20).

If we endure hardship, we will reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12).

Comfort

Tears are the truest connection we have with others. (Lysa Terkeurst, author)

A variety of experiences might draw people together. Sports fans will unite around their team and go to crazy lengths to show their loyalty. Sitting around a game table can bring the players a sense of camaraderie, especially as they enjoy a good laugh together. But the sharing of grief and sorrow in times of suffering will connect people together in the strongest of bonds.

[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Climbing

You don’t climb mountains to get to the top; you climb them to see what other mountains there are to climb. (TV commercial)

Some people would be content, no doubt, just to reach the top of the mountain and enjoy the amazing view. But real mountain climbers will not be content to scale a high hill only to discover that there is a higher one in view. Until the climber  has reached the summit of Mt. Everest, he is probably never going to be satisfied. With every achievement, it’s good  to seek the next one.

I have not achieved [perfection], but . . , I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God . . . is calling us (Philippians 3:12-13).

Forgiving

Know what happens if we don’t forgive? We’ll be chained to bitterness and anger every day of our life. And that’s no life. (Former pastor)

Have you ever heard someone who has been hurt deeply say, “I can’t ever forgive you”? Or “I forgive you, but I can’t forget”? We can understand that the person may find it difficult to forgive the offender. But the pastor’s observation is all too true. What kind of a life is it to continue with a debilitating attitude of unforgiveness? Much better to forgive and live on.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others (Colossians 3:13).

Cost

If you want to be great, you must sacrifice your comfort. (Tim Kight, leadership entrepreneur)

Most people would probably like to be recognized for some achievement. To reach any measure of success, however, you may soon come to realize the truth of Kight’s observation. We are often challenged to move out of our “comfort zone,” that cozy place that doesn’t demand much of us. But remember that the price of greatness will  certainly demand some personal cost.

I will not take what is yours and give it to the Lord. I will not present burnt offerings that have cost me nothing! (1 Chronicles 21:24)

But don’t begin until you count the cost (Luke 14:28).

Hopeful

All is well. That’s my new philosophy. (Sally in the Peanuts cartoon)

Haven’t you known some people that never seem to be discouraged or upset about what’s happening around them? We might call them Pollyannas, people who are constantly or excessively optimistic. That’s unrealistic, of course, but it would be helpful if more of us, like cartoon Sally, would express a more positive, hopeful attitude to people around us.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise (Hebrews 10:23).

Change #2

It is often the small steps,  not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change. (Queen Elizabeth II, late sovereign of the United Kingdom)

Do our plans sometimes fail because we want to start to work on our goals without considering all that’s required to make them happen? Before we can take the big leap, we probably have to take smaller ones to succeed. For example, you can’t start playing Chopin until you’ve learned how to read the music and do the fingering. Begin with the small steps today!

I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again (Philippians 1:6).

Change

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. (Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple)

That may be hyperbole, but the thought is challenging. In an election year we hear politicians who are just “crazy enough” to think that, if elected, they will be able to institute change that will solve the problems we’re facing. The point is, unless we’re willing to step out of our comfort zone and take some risks, we’re probably not going to effect any worthwhile change.

Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth (2 Timothy 2:25).

Friendship #2

Misfortune shows those who are not really friends. (Aristotle)

This wisdom from antiquity is matched from a more modern source. Late actress Marlene Dietrich said, “It’s the friends you can call up at 4am that matter.” You don’t feel right about calling anyone but a close friend to come to your aid at a difficult hour or in a really tough situation. How comforting to have someone you can trust implicitly when you need help.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. . . . The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense (Proverbs 17:17; 27:9).