Keeping a positive attitude even in bad times
In the Bible, God never promises that life in this world is problem-free. In fact, life is full of tribulations and sufferings. Our patience and endurance are tested, and our faith and trust in God is strengthened.
A mother was very sad upon learning through the result of the breast ultrasound and mammogram that her daughter had malignant carcinoma, and that it needs an immediate operation. At first, she asked ‘why’ this predicament has befallen on her daughter. When she regained her composure, she could feel in her heart God’s whisper, “Be not afraid. I am Your rock, especially in these trying moments. Just remember that I am always with you, and never forsake you. Just trust Me. I am your God and am control of everything.”
To console herself, she whispered in her heart, “This too shall pass. Nothing last forever.” She was reminded on the prayer of St. Teresa of Avila:
“Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away,
God never changes,
Whoever has God lacks nothing,
God alone suffices.”
Megan Bailey, at beliefnet website, writes: “It is an unfortunate reality that we all face obstacles sometimes during our lives. Some of us may face financial troubles while others may suffer physical troubles. Such problems can make us feel alone, sad, and angry. Some people say that once you become a Christian, all your problems go away. However, believing in Jesus doesn’t mean your woes disappear. Instead, it means that you never have to go through anything alone. God wanted to make sure that His children always knew that they would be able to lean on Him during difficult times. So He filled the Bible full of wisdom on facing trials and tribulations.”
Barley cites some of the Bible verses along this line:
• “Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
• Isaiah 41:13 – “For the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’ ”
• John 16:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
• Psalm 91:7 – “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”
• Genesis 50:20 – “…When you are facing something that you can’t handle, know that God is walking with you during this difficult time, He will not leave you and instead you can find comfort by casting all your cares on God. He will help you the right way to get through your trials.”
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