Trials Are Meant To Grow Us, Not Destroy Us

"To reach up for the new, you must let go of the old. What is behind you is not nearly as important as what lies in front of you. Everything you've been through was preparation for where you are right now. Disappointments, challenges, and failures were not meant to destroy you. They were meant to strengthen you, to build your character, to give you the fortitude to accomplish your God-given destiny" - Joel Osteen - From His Book "It's Your Time"

  The above statement by Pastor Joel is so true and needed to be realized and taken root in everyone's heart. I also like the phrase "You may not be able to help what circumstances come your way, but you can help how you respond to them." Too many people become bitter and angry at or go as far as to bad mouth their circumstances or the people that have wronged them. (we are all guilty of that sadly). We too quickly jump to the wrong conclusion about our circumstances and begin thinking the worst...taking it to a level of self pity and even depression. It's easy for us to automatically take on a negative thinking attitude when trials come our way. If only we could truly see things from God's perspective. You see, God sees the big picture while our view is extremely limited. I realize it isn't the easiest thing to look to all things with a positive attitude, but if we can take it one day at a time and look to God for our strength, we can renew our mind and transform our thinking.  We can take on the day with a "I'm not going to let anything ruin me or my day" attitude and leave everything in God's hands. We need to trust God and know there is a reason for all we go through and it is to be used for our good! Not to destroy us!


Consider and meditate on the following scripture ...
James 1:2-4 AMP
2. Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
3. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
4. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.

The Lord does know what He is doing :) ♥ God bless you all!