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"The only way to be happy, is to give happy."

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Since it’s Sunday, I would like to share something I read recently from pastor and theologian Charles Swindoll in his excellent little book Perfect Trust. Perhaps it will be helpful to any of you who find yourselves experiencing the trials of life. Swindoll gives us four great points with which to interpret what happens to us, to help us put things in perspective, and to understand God’s grace as it applies to his believers:

1. God allowed me to get into this situation

2. He will give me His grace to get through it

3. He will make a blessing out of this trial

4. He can bring me out again

We make choices and decisions that put us in certain situations. We are responsible before God for our lives. We also get hit with external circumstances. But through it all, God has a plan for his children, and His will for us is perfect and good. God always knows what is best for us.

The real question isn’t "Why is this happening to me?" but rather, "Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior? Do you live your life for Him, or for yourself?" I would like to recommend a fantastic book for anyone who is unsure about this topic: Be Sure What You Believe, by Joe Nesum. It was very helpful to me in the early days of my spiritual journey, and I trust it will be for you as well.

May God bless and guide each of you, to His glory, as you make your way through life’s difficulties.

Posted in Religion

10 responses to “Going Through the Valleys”

Ian

November 19, 2007

Chris,
thanks for sharing that, it is the greatest reminder that God has a plan bigger then our human mind can imagine and that “trust we must in him”. I have read “Be sure What You Believe” it is definitly something to give to those who have questions or have for one reason or another slipped from their faith. At times, it pains me to see those who struggle with this (im not saying i don’t struggle) i just had a close friend recently share with me, that he has been struggling with alcohol (he had been acting different for almost two years) and i was able to share (remind) with him these thoughts of trust and faith, Chris, he had given up hope in almost everything, it was painful to listen, he didnt feel he had anyone there for him and that no one cared, we know those thoughts are false and are for the purpose of deceit, sinced my friend and i talked he has reached out to his supportive in-laws and allowed his wife to help, and has gotten involved with some support groups, and on a path that involves our Lord. I thank God for bringing myself and my family around the right people and the right information so that i can be salt and light to this earth. I thank you for your wisdom and humilty and may God bless you in all you do Chris.

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DaveC

November 19, 2007

Chris
Hi, it’s me again. This goes real well with your thoughts about proper thinking on Saturday. I need to follow Dr. Swindol’s advice and look at things in proper perspective. One of our (my wife and I) favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28, “For all things work together to good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Sometimes, though, it is hard to remember this in the heat of the moment. I need to be constantly be reminding myself that God is in charge and that He loves me and has a much better plan for my life than I could ever design. If I live with this in mind, I will be much more able to respond with appropriate thinking and not react without thinking. I hope these thoughts of mine help someone else who has a similar problem, and encourages you, Chris, to keep up the good work and helping those of with a kink in our think to get our thinking unkinked.
DaveC

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Chris Brady

November 19, 2007

Ian:
One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 5:16. You are doing just that, letting your light shine brightly. I am glad to hear that your friend has found a constructive path for his life, and am proud of you for helping to combat the lies of the deceiver in his life. God IS the answer. Keep leading and loving Ian!

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Chris Brady

November 19, 2007

Dave C:
Excellent comment. That’s another of my favorite Bible verses, and it is so packed with wisdom! And you’re right, the time when it’s the toughest to remember all this stuff is when we need it the most. But God is a loving God, and also a just God. He has a plan for our lives. Remembering these great truths is key to how we live. Remember, it’s how you see things that counts. We all should work to see things through the Biblical lens, and the more we do, the easier it will be to interpret our lives and how we are supposed to be living them for God’s glory.
Thanks for you comments here today, I appreciate hearing from a brother in Christ!

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Becca

November 21, 2007

Thanks, Chris, for the great reminder to look to God during life’s joys and also its trials. Your post was a great encouragement that God is in control and He will work all things together for good. My husband and I have had a hard week as we’ve been working hard to dig ourselves out of debt and towards our dreams and goals, and just got hit with multiple setbacks and unexpected events this week. Your post is just what I needed to read. We appreciate you and Terri and your integrity, leadership, example, and tireless service to the Team. Thanks so much for all you do – our lives wouldn’t be the same without the principles we have learned from you and the other leaders! Keep up the good work!

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Chris Brady

November 21, 2007

Becca:
I am sorry you have had such a tough week, but it sounds like your attitude about it is good. You are right, God will work all things to good for those who are called according to His purpose. Remain obedient, run the race as one who runs to win it, and keep the faith. May God bless you in these days and give you the grace to persevere!
Chris

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Amy Clark

July 19, 2012

Dear Chris,
Thank you for this reminder. I want to grow in my walk with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With the Bible, right associations, and Life team tools, I am having it happen. Thank you for taking a stand upon a hill to shine before all men and bring glory to God! I know this was written a few years ago but it exactlly what I needed on this day.

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JeanetteP.

July 19, 2012

Chris,
Thanks for retweeting this. The Truth never gets old and is applicable to every situation. This was perfect timing since my family and I have been through some significant life events as of late and it seems more is being added to the “pile”. I don’t know how people do life without the Lord and Truth to gird them up. It helps to be reminded that “all things WILL work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”. We thank God for you and Terri and the rest of the leaders on TEAM/LIFE. It’s through the principles of Truth and positive culture of LIFE that His light is shining! Have a blessed day!

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JeanetteP.

July 19, 2012

Hey Chris,
(Not sure what just happened, but I tried comment and it disappeared. So if this is a duplicate please disregard, lol). Anyway, thank you for reposting this blog. The Truth never gets old and can be applied to any situation. This was perfect timing since my family has gone through some significant life events as of late and more being added to the “pile”. The reminder that ” All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to HIS purpose” was much needed. We thank God for you and Terri and the rest of TEAM/ LIFE leadership! It is through the principles of Truth and positive culture of LIFE that His light IS shining! Have a blessed day!

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Trish Rusiecki

July 19, 2012

Chris, thank you so much for that blog!! Three things I always try to remember to tell myself when I am going thru a rough patch: #1 God is Greater than any problem I have! ( I actually had that saying on my dresser as a teenager) #2. If God brings you to it; He will bring you thru it! #3 God does all things for the good for those who believe in Him ( I was going thru some super tough times a bit ago and my Pastor told me that one. I know its in the Bible just drawing a blank where. : O ). Footprints in the sand is another favorite one of mine. Chris you are so right!! Just put all your faith and trust in God and He will never lead us astray!! God Bless Chris!!

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