Overcoming Incapacitation
June 21, 2010And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
We’ve all heard of posttraumatic stress, but a recent study by psychologist Dr. Lawrence Calhoun states that more people react to trauma with posttraumatic growth. He believes that people can get stronger from their battles with life’s toughest stuff.
“We’re talking about a positive change that comes about as a result of the struggle with something very difficult. It’s not just some automatic outcome of a bad thing.”* I don’t believe that hardship, sickness, or evil comes from God, but God can and will use every bad situation and turn it around for good (Romans 8:28).
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13
My heroes in the Bible and in history are those who have endured. My mentors in Christianity are those who taught me that life is not fair, but God is good and God’s promises are true. You will be contested by the devil, but ultimately God will lead you in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Read all of Psalm 34 to encourage yourself concerning God’s faithfulness. This chapter really drives home the truth that “the righteous cry and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). If you’ve become discouraged, remember that God’s ear is open to your cry and the God who was faithful in the Bible is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
God always leads us in triumph!
Pastor Jeff
Copyright © 2010 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. *”From Wounds, Inner Strength,” Washington Post. www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article /2005/11/25/A R2005112501502.html, June 15, 2010.