Difficulties in Life

Actually written on May 30, 2009 and posted at 5:55 pm on my Facebook..

Regarding the economic downturn I was inspired by a note one of my friends wrote and got to thinking that it's a great time to get rid of material possessions we aren't really using anymore, to live life more simply yet with increased wisdom, etc. God is taking us through a pruning process physically, emotionally and spiritually. I believe it is to prepare us for the greater things that He has promised us. If we have already been living our lives allowing the Holy Spirit to put us through the fire and pruning process, it's not AS difficult right now. (I'm not saying it is not difficult, just that it is not AS difficult) If we have procrastinated or resisted His process in us, then these times will be much more difficult. Either way - He is faithful to get us through it and His grace is on us. We just need to surrender to the process. I don't know who said this: "Don't waste your trials." but we may as well learn everything God wants to teach us through the process!
I have done both! I have surrendered and resisted. It all depends on the trial. But mostly my attitude has done a 180, in recent years. I look at the difficult times now as a stepping stone for further growth and relationship with my Lord Jesus. I think that if we are looking at the difficulties of life from the perspective that God loves us and He is with us it makes it easier. Plus, it doesn't matter the source! Whether it is a pruning from our Lord or a trial from the devil, we can still learn a lot. I am proposing that all difficulties can lead us to a deeper more intimate relationship with God and that it is all in our attitude about it.