OBSTACLES

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OBSTACLES
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OVERCOMING
GOD GETS HIS GREATEST VICTORIES OUT OF SEEMING
DEFEATS
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Life is born of struggle. To enter this world,
a baby must leave the comfort and security of the
womb and make a difficult and perilous passage
through the narrow birth canal. Before an eagle
can soar to the heavens, it must push and peck
its way out of the egg. Before a
butterfly can delight us with its colors and
grace, it must escape from its cocoon.
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Why Does God allow Troubles?
Well, there are many reasons, but they can best
be summed up in one word benefits.
He sees the benefits!
Tests and trials strengthen and shape our
character. They make us better people and better
Christians.
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If you ever feel like the tests, trials and
battles are more than you can bear and you just
cant make it, remember, the Lord is greater than
they are! Take them to Him!
-- DAVID BRANDT BERG
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When going through a rough time, it helps to put
your troubles in perspective by considering what
some others have gone through.
While we may expect God to put an end to our
problems right now. He may know that later is a
better time. Gods timing is impeccable.
Trust Him!
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Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot
see the shadow.
-- HELEN KELLER (deaf and blind her whole life)
In sickness let me not so much say, Am I getting
better of my pain? as, Am I getting better for
it?
-- WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Reflect upon your blessings of which every man
has many not on your past misfortunes, of which
all men have some.
-- CHARLES DICKENS
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All things work together for good!
Romans 828
Helen Keller was both deaf and blind, yet she
learned to write and even speak, and has
encouraged and inspired hundreds of millions
handicapped and whole alike. I thank God for
my handicaps, she said, for through them I have
found myself, my work, and my God.
John Milton was blind when he wrote Englands
greatest epic poem, Paradise Lost. So was Fanny
Crosby when she wrote more than 6,000 hymns.
Beethoven was deaf when he wrote some of his
greatest symphonies.
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We shouldnt run from troubles, or cower when
they loom ahead. We should ask God to lift us
above them on the wings of prayer.
Many things that seem to us to be curses are in
fact gifts from God, oddly packaged.
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If God is working in your life to bring out a
special quality, the process may take some time.
Lumps of coal arent turned to diamonds
overnight so it is with our lives.
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When you think youve reached the end of your
rope, just hold on a little longer. Patience is
often the key that opens the door to Gods
blessings, sometimes we must be content to wait
for His answer.
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Tribulation worketh patience and patience,
experience and experience, hope.
Romans 53-4
Difficult times deepen us. They help us move from
the shallow plane of daily routines and the mad
rush called modern living into the deeper realm
of the spirit. And we experience Gods power to
pull us through the difficult times, it gives us
faith and hope that He will take care of us
through whatever storms may come our way.
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Things dont just happen to children of God
theyre part of a wonderful plan. The troubles,
reverses, the sorrows, the rod are strokes of the
Great Sculptors hand.
Our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
is working for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory
If we suffer, we shall also reign.
(2 Corinthians 417 Timothy 212)
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There is One who sees and understands exactly
what youre going through. He cares for you more
deeply than you will ever know in this life, and
He wants to help you lead a full, happy,
productive life that touches and enriches the
lives of many others.
If you havent yet, you can ask Him to come into
your heart by praying the following
Dear Jesus, I want the gifts of eternal life,
love, and purpose that You offer. I open my life
and heart to You now, and accept You as my
Savior. Please forgive me for all the wrongs Ive
done, give me a fresh start, and help me get to
know you and Your love. Amen.
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