THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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Joe was an elderly man with a heart condition. One of Joe's uncles died and left him over a million dollars. The family was afraid the news would give Joe a heart attack and he would die, so they asked Joe's pastor to inform him of the death and inheritance.
The pastor went to Joe's home and visited with him for a little while before sharing the news. Then he said, "Joe, what would you do if you inherited a million dollars?"
Joe said, "Well, pastor, God has been so good to me. I don't have many needs, so I would give half of that to the church."
The pastor died of shock!
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Gen 35:16-19
16 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.
17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.
18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Ben-oni: but his father called him Benjamin.
19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
KJV
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Jacob loved Rachel. She was the "love of his life." He had served seven years for her in marriage, then was deceived, and given Leah instead. He served yet another seven years for Rachel in marriage.
Before she died, Rachel named her son Ben-oni. The name means "son of sorrow." And surely, each time Jacob would hold this child, he would mourn the loss of his wife Rachel. However, Jacob called his son Benjamin. The name means "son of my right hand."
Jacob's faith gave him victory over adversity; hope in the midst of sorrow; peace in trouble; and foresight when he was overcome with grief.
It is all too easy for us to become focused upon our trials and sorrows, and have ourselves big ole "pity parties."
But let us remember that "faith is the victory that overcomes."
The earth requires a stormy rain to loosen the soil for Spring planting.
It is the blackest earth that grows the most beautiful flowers.
Only under fire, hammer and anvil will the purest metal come shining brightly.
Faith in Christ does not mean we will not have sorrow. But faith helps us to be strengthened IN the sorrow, and to work THROUGH the sorrow.
Faith in Christ does not mean we will not have adversities. But faith looks beyond the adversity and sees that Christ has overcome, and we are participants of His victory.
Instead of becoming focused on our sorrows or difficulties, let us focus on our Lord Who is the Giver of faith.
Indeed, let us live by FAITH.
SHINE! Don't WHINE!
(Read Hebrews 11)
Love ya,
Bruce