Imagine a kid named Billy. Billy, being a young kid, doesn't understand that humans and electricity don't mix and therefore isn't aware that, when he sticks something metal into an electrical socket, he will experience a jolt he'll never forget. Like most kids, all it will take is one shock for Billy to lose all curiosity about the effects of electricity on the human body. In fact, Billy, having experienced the bite of the surprised-faced sockets that taunt all who pass their space on the wall, will be quick to inform his friends that sticking a piece metal into something with electrical current is not a good idea. Even though Billy is most likely frustrated that he had to go through the pain and agony of being electrocuted, his friends will be spared from having to experience that same pain if they listen to his wise council.

The same is true for all things that we have experienced or will experience in this lifetime--good or bad. Because we live in a fallen world and we are given free choice, there will be times in our lives where we'll go through trials, tribulations and plenty of pain. There will also be times when we'll make dumb decisions that cause us to miss out on certain blessings that God had prepared for us. These times may not be enjoyable and we may be confused as to why God would allow us to go through them, but, if we allow these "shocking" experiences to teach us and mold us into the people God wants us to be, we can use them as leverage in encouraging others to avoid things that would lead them into similar situations. Not only that, they will also help us relate with and encourage those who may be going through (or have gone through) the same experiences.

Romans 5:3-4 says, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." The endurance and strength of character that we develop because of the experiences that we go through allow us to be more confident in our hope of salvation. This confidence isn't limited to us alone though; we are able to share this hope of salvation confidently because of the endurance and strength of character that our experiences have provided. Rejoicing about problems and trials because of how they enhance our ability to encourage is a much better use of our time and energy than allowing ourselves to be upset about them.

Are you constantly bitter about the experiences that God has allowed you to go through or do you use them to encourage others around you? It's important to realize that the impact we are able to have on others can be drastically influenced by the experiences that we go through. Even though the hard times God allows us to undergo aren't fun to deal with, the experience that we gain because of them have the potential to be the best tool we can use to encourage others. Don't hide the wisdom that comes from experience. Allow God to use you, regardless of whether or not you feel useable, and allow the experiences you've had to enhance your ability to encourage others.

Labels: encourage, encouragement, endurance, Experience, In Courage, problems, Romans 5, trial

Anyone who has ever been to Texas knows that the weather fluctuates quite a bit. As a native of Texas, I have become accustomed to the drastic changes of temperature that are produced by the weather and I have learned to adjust on the fly. A perfect example of such a radical change of temperature happened this past week when the temperature went from mid 80's to below freezing overnight. I had quite a bit of work to do that day and I had decided that a little weather wasn't going to stop me from getting it done. After finishing at work, and being told that the offices were going to be closed because of the bad weather, I got in my car and drove home carefully navigating over icy bridges and around numerous wrecks. After driving what seemed double the normal amount of time, one of the most beautiful things that I have ever seen took place. As I pulled into my neighborhood, the clouds parted and the late afternoon sun streamed through as if it was reclaiming it's rightful territory.

When you think about it, all storms fade away. Although they may not always be easy to deal with and they may come at inconvenient times, they don't last forever. In a letter written to Jewish Christians who were going through a "storm" of suffering, Peter explains that trials are only temporary and a faith that endures is a genuine one:

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Although a personal relationship with Christ is an extraordinary thing and provides us with eternal security, Jesus doesn't promise that we won't suffer here on earth. In fact, He tells us that the world will hate us because we love Him (John 15:18-19). However, we can know that everything we go through, whether good or bad, is under God's sovereignty and is ultimately a part of His plan for us.

When you are going through a hard time, do you blame God for not being there? Or do you make an effort to allow God to strengthen you through it? We can be sure that we will go through "storms" of trial and suffering, it's just a fact of life, but we can also be sure that these "storms" are evanescent (temporary) and that, no matter what, God is always there. For just like the sun is always right behind the clouds, so too the Son is always with us and His glory will shine through to redeem those whom rightfully belong to Him.

Labels: 1 Peter 1:6, John 15:18, storm, suffering, temporary, trial