Purpose of suffering

In my life God has worked through my suffering to accomplish His purposes. Has this been easy for me? No. Who likes to go through suffering?

It has allowed me the ability to forgive others who have done me wrong.

I spoke about Job in my book I wrote, “Mission Possible.” It’s really hard to imagine that God would give Satan permission to bring trouble into Job’s life, but that’s exactly what happened.

In the end of Job’s story, Job persevered through the horrendous trials and he proved that there is only one true God. Job could have become bitter and resentful to God, but he didn’t.

Job’s story gives me comfort, because it showcases God’s faithfulness and His ability to glorify Himself through times of testing.

If you find yourself in a difficult season right now, find encouragement through this reminder: God will turn it around for good. Somehow God will see you through. Don’t doubt that!

God may be using your struggle to bring someone to Christ.

Don’t give up - persevere - God reigns!

2 Corinthians 4:17 - “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,”

Dianne PetreyComment
Bedtime stories

My grandkids love story-time at my house. I have three shelves of books, but Ady keeps going back to the same book called, “Little Lost Angel.” It was my book when I was a little girl. It’s about a story of an angel from heaven who got left behind from the other angels. But, instead of feeling sorry for herself, she decided to help others along the way. She gives away her harp and her wings.

I can see why Ady wants to keep re-visiting the story. It has compassion, intrigue and purpose. I hope the story leaves her with the thoughts of giving to others without expecting anything in return.

The Bible is full of stories like the one above. You see, when you give your life to Christ; when you commit each day to follow Him, giving will come natural; loving will be easy.

For those of you who have young kids or grandkids, read to them. The Bible is full of teachable stories that will benefit kids later on. The world needs more compassion and understanding.

Each of us have our own story to tell. People can’t dismiss your personal testimony because it’s your story. They can’t deny it.

Tell someone your story today. Emphasize how God is the author and has been writing your story every day and will continue to do so.

Ephesians 4:29 - “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Dianne Petrey
Risk/reward

Matthew 14:29 - “He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.”

Think about the above scene, where Jesus had just walked on the water and is asking Peter to get out of the boat. What would you have done? Would you believe that you could walk on the water like Jesus did? Or would you be too afraid to try, thinking you would sink in the water?

Peter is overcome by the risks of walking on the water and starts to sink. Where was Peter’s faith that night?

Life is full of taking risks, and missing the opportunity to take these risks could lead to regret.

Are you dealing with a risk up ahead that you’re stressing about? Will you step out in faith, even though knowing that it’s a risky situation? Are you trusting that God’s in control, or are you looking at yourself, seeing how you’re going to handle it?

Faith cannot and will not exist without a little bit of risk. God intentionally designs situations in our lives so that we may look to Him for our true source of guidance and strength.

Risks are an inevitable part of our lives. It’s through risk taking that we exercise our faith in God who cancels out all risks and makes things work out for our good, for those who love and obey Him.

God will turn our great trials and risks into great rewards. You can be sure of it.

Dianne PetreyComment
Bitter/better

Only one character separates the two words above, which are as different as night and day.

The definition of bitter has two meanings, 1) having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet and, 2) of people or their feelings or behavior) angry, hurt, or resentful because of one’s bad experiences.

People that are bitter tend to think of all the bad things that is happening in their life, comparing themselves to others. They can’t focus on the good in their life. Their minds are made up…. - they can’t get past the hurt. Not a good way to live, right?

I have decided and decide every day to forget the negative and focus on the positive. I plan to get better on seeing the needs of others. I plan to positively plan for better days.

As you focus on the blessings in your life and realize that it is God who gives them, you won’t have room for bitterness and anger.

The opposite of bitter is sweet or pleasant.

If you have been bitter or feel resentment toward another, ask God to forgive you. Instead of remembering with malice and hurt, remember with forgiveness. Show grace to others like God shows you every day.

Don’t leave room in your life for bitterness to creep in. Fill it with joy, laughter and love.

Psalm 112:7 - “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

Dianne PetreyComment
In the moment.

You’ve heard it said, “just be in the moment.” But, what does this phrase mean to you?

I recently had a conversation with someone who kept fretting about how much time they needed to do this and that, and how they didn’t have time to do what needed to be done. There just wasn’t enough hours in the day, etc.

That’s when I said, “just enjoy today. Enjoy this moment in time, where you are and with whom you’re with.”

I realize that’s something that’s hard to do for some people, even myself at times.

Time dictates our lives. Whether it’s our calendars, clocks, or schedules. It’s time on the move that can’t be slowed down. We have to adjust and live with time each day.

The quality of time is different in the above scenario as compared to time measured in quantity. There’s a Greek term, “Kairos,” which describes a present moment in time. It is the now.

Although the future is promised by God, the present is what matters.

Being in the moment means being fully present. Acknowledge that we’re as a vapor. Here for a little while and then gone in an instant. Use your time wisely. Stop and smell the roses. Live in the moment and enjoy the presence of God in your life each day.

Proverbs 17:22 - “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Dianne PetreyComment
Comparison

Theodore Roosevelt famously said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

When comparing yourself to others, you’ll always find someone more wealthier than you, more successful…. the list goes on. It’s what you choose to do with that information that can be harmful.

Comparison will cause us to be discouraged or even prideful with ourselves.

The only true antidote to comparison is contentment. If you’re content with what you have and who you are, then you won’t be comparing yourself or your wealth to others. What does this mean? Be thankful for what God has given you. Yes, everything you have is because God decided to give it to you. When we are thankful, we don’t see what we lack. Because we see the generosity of God, we are compelled to give to others.

I know I always am blessed when I give rather than when I receive something. The things of eternal value cannot be found in this world.

The best thing you can do to cure yourself of the ‘comparison’ trap is to serve others. Don’t worry about what you don’t have. Start serving others and watch the blessings flow. I know, I do it and it works.

Be intentional on serving others and you’ll forget what you don’t have.

2 Corinthians 10:12 - “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”

Dianne PetreyComment
Hurdles

Hurdles can be defined as, “an obstacle or difficulty.”

Life is full of ups and downs. We all hope for more ups than downs. As the saying goes, “What goes up, must come down.”

There is a popular Christian song that speaks of ‘hills and valleys.’ It’s an uplift in spirit to be on the top of the hill, so to speak, but we must also be thankful for the valleys. I will admit it’s hard to be thankful when you’re going through a tough time, but every time I’ve thanked God for the trial that I’m in, life gets a little easier. My character starts to change.

Within the scenarios set out above, we also face obstacles or hurdles along the way.

As a Christian, you learn to comply to whatever God has planned for you. We must bend to an unexpected diagnosis; a missed promotion at work, or a let down in a relationship. How do we do this? Prayer, trust and a commitment to God. Prayer says to God, “You know my situation God, so I trust that what I’m going through is your Will.”

God’s track record with me gives me hope - that, although I’ll face hurdles, adversity in life, God’s protection and goodness has always been there and will be there again. I can then face the hurdles of life with confidence.

When the hurdles come, learn to get up and run and jump through the hurdles of life with God carrying you through.

1 Peter 5:7 - “casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

Dianne PetreyComment
Rules

A rule is defined as, “one of a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct within a particular activity or sphere.”

In society, we have many rules. Most of these rules are made up by man. However, the most important rules are made up by God. Rules are established for our own good. If we had no rules, there would be chaos. God established His rules with 100% certainty that His way is the best way.

But what happens when we break a rule created by man? If we’re caught, we get punished. What about when we break one of God’s rules? Unfortunately, we also get punished. Some may look at this as not fair. But in reality rules are made up to protect us from harmful things, or things that would cause us to falter.

If you read the bible you’ll find several things that God hates. He hates pride. He hates a liar. He hates murder and those who deceive others. He hates gossip and He hates someone sowing discord among his brothers.

I have broken rules. One specifically was when I got caught speeding. You know the feeling. Looking in the rear view mirror. The horror of being pulled over and answering to a police officer as to why you were speeding. The lesson here is…..go by the rules and everything will be fine.

Get right with God. Know His rules and His commands and you won’t have anything to worry about.

Romans 13:1 - “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”

Dianne PetreyComment