CAN GOD BRING GOOD OUT OF BAD?

This is an inspiring article of Greg Laurie's blog that I consider very useful and comforting when I read it. So, I just copy paste here on my blog so you can read it also. Yeah.. talking about suffering, we really want to avoid it, but still we have to go through it, and if we would, we could learn something from it. Happy reading..

I am going to deal with the question, can God bring good out of bad? I believe the answer is “Yes!”

Look, suffering is inevitable. No one gets a free pass. The fact of the matter is that you are either coming out of a storm or headed into another. It’s just a matter of time.

In this life, the only way to avoid suffering is to die.

What you want to do is get ready now, so you will have a proper biblical foundation and can properly process and react as these challenges come into your life.

Prepare ahead of time

As Randy Alcorn says in his book If God is Good, “Most of us don’t give focused thought to evil and suffering until we experience them. This forces us to formulate perspective on the fly, at a time when our thinking is muddled and we’re exhausted and consumed by pressing issues. People who have ‘been there’ will attest that it’s far better to think through suffering in advance.”

In other words, be prepared ahead of time!

Avoiding storms

Paul reminds us that we are to “Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts, and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other” (Colossians 3:16).

But we would rather not do that, because the topic of suffering is difficult and uncomfortable.

Suffering is one of those things we all want to avoid if at all possible. If you are flying and you see a storm, you try to fly around it, not into it.

But here’s the reality—sometimes you simply cannot do that. Your life can be going reasonably well one moment, and then it changes in a flash.

That certainly happened for our family.

Good things out of suffering?

Here is one of the “good things” that come out of crisis and suffering. You turn to God with a dependence like you have never had before, like a child running to their mom or dad and burying their face in their shoulder.

And you know what? God is there waiting for you with the strength, peace, and love you need. Not necessarily with all the answers you may want, but He is there.

One of the things you “treasure” in suffering is knowing God’s presence as you do. Your faith begins to grow stronger.

Use it or lose it!

Faith does not grow through ease and comfort. It grows through challenge, conflict, and difficulty.

Faith is like a muscle in that it gets stronger through use, not neglect. If you do not use your muscle, it can atrophy.

We have a choice in life—use it or lose it!

The Bible reminds us, “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way” (James 1:2-4 THE MESSAGE).

Source : Greg Laurie's blog

Isn't it confusing how our status gets ping ponged between Twitter, Ping, Posterous, FF, Hootsuite and all this stuff?? *confused*

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment -- Lao Tzu

The Little Princess

I've just read an interesting story about Halloween on this link and found the site is really cool and awesome. They got the way to spread The Gospel via email. You should visit the site! :)

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR TODAY?

Ever read this article?
Yup. There always be something to be thankful for in life if we would seek for it..

I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE.

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH
WHO SINGS OFF KEY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES
AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS
WHO ARE THINKING OF ME!

What are you thankful for today?
Let's count our blessings everyday..

GO AFTER YOUR DREAMS

I read this entry from my Google Reader this morning and yeah.. this post from Believe Achieve had captured my heart. So inspiring and have encouraged me to go after my dreams..

Let's check it out!


Go After Your Dreams

You're good, but you're going to be great.
You're the best, but you're going to get better.

Sometimes the paths we take are long and hard,
but remember: those are always the ones that lead
to the most beautiful views.

Challenges come along inevitably:
how you respond to them determines
who you are - deep down inside -
and everything you're going to be.

Increase the chances of reaching your goals
by working at them gradually.
The very best you can do is all that is asked of you.

Realize that you are capable of
working miracles of your own making.

Remember that opportunities have a reason
for knocking on your door,
and the right ones are there for the taking.

You don't always have to win,
but you do need to know what it takes to be a winner.

It's up to you to find the key that unlocks
the door to a more fulfilling life.

Understand that increased difficulty brings you nearer
to the truth of how to survive it - and get beyond it.

Cross your bridges.

Meet your challenges.

Reach out for your dreams,
and bring them closer and closer to your heart.

Get rid of the "if onlys"
and get on with whatever you need
to do to get things right.

Go after what you want in life,
with all the blessings of all the people
who care about you.

And find out what making your wishes
come true really feels like.



~ Collin McCarty ~



What dreams are you going after?

DISCOVER YOUR PERSONAL MISSION!

Are you in your journey to discover your personal mission on this earth? I do believe that we were sent here for a reason. Every single person is significant in this world. That's why we're so different with each other..

If you are traveling your personal journey and still haven't found the ideas about why you're here on earth, the questions from this link may be helpful.

Yet, if you're still confused about what you may get, you can just ask God.. It's much better action you can do rather than any effort you may have done.. :)

GOD WHO PRAYS FOR US

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Luke 22:31,32, NIV

I read these verses on our Sunday Service this morning. And although I've read and have heard these verses for several times, this morning I sensed something different in my heart.

I have known that Satan has been over and over attempting us. Yes, we knew that already. Even he asked to sift us as wheat -just as Bible told us. So, many people had fallen and descended into the trap of sins. Even they're living in that sinful ways. But thanks to Jesus who have prayed for us. He knew already what will be happening. And He had foreseen our weaknesses and our easy-to-attempt natures, yet He prays for us. What a huge thing A Mighty God can ever do for His creatures!

I can't say how much I felt grateful this morning. Realized that I had God who prays for me has rocked my world. Yeah, I may not be perfect, but I am guaranteed in His hands. And He even accepts me just the way I am, remembering the fact that I'm living in the world which define its identity based on all 'superficial' things. (You mention it!:)).

9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.
15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
John 17:9, 15, NIV

Thank God for being my Lord and my God.
Thanks Jesus for praying for me.
My life is in Your hands..

GOD WHO REMEMBERS

He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:23,NLT

I didn't satisfy when I read this verse in Indonesian. The translation was a little confusing for me, so I tried to search its different translation. Yeah.. different words, but the same meaning.

God remembered us when we were down,
His love never quits.
Psalm 136:23, The Message

to the One who remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:23, NIV

This verse was so meaningful for me right now.
Knowing the truth that I am remembered -no matter what- is something profound for me.

Thank You, Father God.
This is all I need for now. That's it.
Thank You for unfolding this truth personally for me.
Your faithful love endures forever..

WHAT IS LIFE?

Hi, everyone!

Yeah.. I know.. it's been so long, long time since my last post. Hmm.. I hate to admit it but I've been thinking that I've got nothing to write here. Seriously. I've even once thought that maybe I lost my writing talent or what, because you know.. I couldn't write at all. I mean, I've got no inspirations as easy as I got usually to write on my blogs.. Hmhh..

Yeah.. sometimes life doesn't go as the way we want it.. We put our hopes on many aspects and.. boom! Something happens and.. all of them are suddenly broken. With no clue. Vanishes in just a wink. Even before we realize what's actually happening there!

Ok. I haven't been feeling okay these moments. Really, really not. I tend to blame my circumstance, my family, everything around me. You may know that there are times in life where all we can do is just blaming everything but ourselves. I'd been going through this stage and it's pretty hard for me. Felt as if somebody was spilling all the sins and guilty feelings over my shoulder and I had to bear it all myself. (Arrgghhh!!).

I even thought and asked soo many questions about God. Why He had been so quiet and had never answered all my questions to Him. I knew He might have some reasons but I couldn't be patient to hear it. I felt that I was abandoned and forsaken. I was alone, with the idea that even God Himself didn't want to show up for me. I was depressed and looking for clue without ones to find. Until I met a woman who had gone through sooo many struggles in life. This woman told me about how she fought against her breast cancer, while she and her family didn't have enough money to afford the cures. But she kept believe in God, that He would heal her and provide whatever she needed. She also told me about how God sent the money in the right time. But the story haven't ended yet. After she got well, she had to face that her husband's kidney had damaged. And any other following problems. She realized that it's much harder to face your spouse's pain than to bear it yourself. I've got pains, she said. Anguished, fears, sadness, and worries over my husband. After all, her husband will be retired on January next year, and they have to move to their own house -which hasn't finished being renovated yet- immediately. Can you imagine the feelings all the problems caused? (And I haven't told you all of the story! It's gonna be too long!).

Compare to what this family has been struggling with, what I faced was just a dust. Oh my.. ashamed me! How could I be so selfish and pity on myself and felt that kinda worst feeling? Yeah.. probably I have to learn how to be thankful in any circumstance. There always much harder lives out there. Much more difficult, struggling and full of pressures. But here I was, cry over my own little pain.. OMG..

Thank God it was all over for me. I just want to look at my future boldly, with no turning back, as I always did :). I know that God will make all things beautiful in His time in my life. All I need is just patience to wait for it. Meanwhile, I've to live my best life, which am trying to.

Yeah, I often think what should depressed people do in their depressing times. And now, I've got the answer: Besides keep struggling with their own circumstance, they'd better open their eyes to look carefully at other people's lives. Who can say they got the worst life if they had nothing to compare with?

Bible says that life is just as vapor, which will be vanished away, so take your moment and enjoy it. It's your life. Nobody can't steal it from you if you don't allow it!

Has The Bible Transformed Your Life?

This is a great insight from Zondervan. I got laugh when I read this..

Has the Bible transformed your life? I heard about a converted cannibal on an island in the South Seas who was sitting by a large pot reading his Bible when an anthropologist wearing a pith helmet approached him and asked, "What are you doing?"

The native replied, "I'm reading the Bible." The anthropologist scoffed and said, "Don't you know that modern, civilized man has rejected that book? It's nothing but a pack of lies. You shouldn't waste your time reading it." The cannibal looked him over from head to toe and slowly replied, "Sir, if it weren't for this book, you'd be in that pot!"

The Word of God had changed his life — and his appetite. If you are serious about changing your life, you are going to have to get into the Bible. You need to read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it, and apply it.

Slow But Sure

Sometime I realize that my journey with God has been slowly but sure. I don't always receive what I ask for. So often I have to wait for a long, long time. Sometime even I don't get anything or see anything as an evidence that God hears me. But through all of those experiences, I've been learning that God makes everything beautiful in His time. He does have the perfect timing for everything. Although I consider it's a bit too slowly for me, He still sticks to His plan.

Yeah.. life is hard, but I always have something good to hold on.

So sorry for not updating my blog. I always have 2 contrary sides in my life's journey. But I'm still in the process. Sometime I think that God has been grinding me, till I am broken. Probably not what's visible, but some invisible things inside me : my selfishness, my ego, my ambitions, sort of these things.

Yeah, I don't see the destination yet. The harbor still so away from me, but I feel surely that God has been leading me and always leads me, through this process, to prepare me for something greater than my life..

Just after I recognized the pattern God uses in me, I can think about noble things. I know God sees us in different ways, because we are unique and so different with each other. He works in me slowly but sure, but He still keeps His promises for me. For knowing this, I can stick to His promise just as He wants me to do.

How about you?