TRIALS... ADVERSITIES... OR BLESSINGS...??

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​Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,
in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions,
in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am  weak,
then am I strong.
  2 Corinthians 12:10

First, this is a wonderful LITTLE story that has
a BIG impact on life!  

       
CARROT... EGGS... OR COFFEE??

A Conversation Between Mother and Daughter:

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her.  She did not know how she was going to make it and she wanted to give up.  She was tired of fighting and struggling.  It seemed just as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Mom answered, "Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee, which one are YOU?"

Then, her mother took her to the kitchen and there she filled three pots with water.  In the first pot she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last pot she placed ground coffee beans.  She let them sit and boil without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners and fished the carrots, eggs and coffee out and placed them in three different bowls.  Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"  Her daughter answered, "Carrots, eggs and coffee!"

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.  She felt the carrots and noted that they got softer.  She then asked her daughter to take an egg and break it.  After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.  Finally, she asked her daughter to sip the coffee.  The young woman smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma.  And, then asked her, "What's the point, mom?" 

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity -- boiling water -- but each of them reacted differently.  The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting.  However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. 

The egg, on the other hand, had been fragile.  Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

And, the ground coffee beans were unique.   After they were in the boiling water 'they had changed the water.'

Once more she asked her daughter, "So, which are you? When adversity knocks on your door, how will you respond?  Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

"Are you like the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, wilts and becomes soft and loses its strength?"

"Are you like the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Do you have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have you become hardened and stiff?  Does your shell look the same, but on the inside you are bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?"

"Or are you like the coffee bean?  That actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings pain.  When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.  If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and you change the situation around you." - Author Unknown

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TRIALS... ADVERSITIES... OR BLESSINGS...??
                             
 I am learning that in these times,  I really just need to continue to affirm God's promises by speaking them to myself.  Sometimes, I must do it several times a day or even an hour, but eventually, the "feelings" leave, "facts return" and God assures me that, He is still there... He still loves me... and He is working out the answers for my good!!

Perhaps, my trials are meant to keep me on my knees, so that I am not walking in my personal self-confidence, self-righteousness or pride.  Whatever the case, I know God has allowed it, for He has assured me that His Grace is all that I need and His strength is sustains me.

Friend, if you have a problem, a heartbreak, or a deep wound in your soul, Jesus wants you to know He loves you.  He understands your suffering and the agony of the situation.  He sees the times when your pain sneaks up on you and He sees the flood of tears that quickly turns to weeping.

It is in those times, you must learn to listen for that still small voice that whispers, I, the Lord have come to heal the brokenhearted, to bring deliverance and set the captives, those with great burdens free! 

It is in those times, you must learn to speak God's Word and let it sink into your heart and soul, like the verses below: 

1. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.  Psalm 34:18

2. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

3.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26, 

4.  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I  am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 
​Isaiah 41:10

5.  Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 

6.  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-20

God's Word is MIGHTY and POWERFUL, when you start speaking it, and speak it with AUTHORITY... doubts and fears will leave and you will find the rest and peace in Jesus,
​that you so desire.