Seeds Of Hope Daily Devotional: tribulation

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Overcoming Adversity

Enterprise, Alabama is known for having a monument to an agricultural pest - the boll weevil. In 1915, the “pest” invaded the area and destroyed their only crop - cotton. This disaster left the farmers destitute and nearly hopeless. However, in 1917 the county produced and harvested more peanuts than any other county in the nation.

The monument, erected in 1919, stands in the center of the downtown district as a symbol of their willingness and ability to adjust to and overcome adversity. The residents are quick and proud to remind visitors of the lessons they learned from the boll weevil.

One resident said, “There was a time when we had one crop - cotton; the boll weevil destroyed it. Then we were forced to diversify. Now we are doing better than ever. The boll weevil was a blessing in disguise.”

Paul said, “We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Difficulties are not to be dreaded. They are to be accepted as unique opportunities that God brings into our lives as challenges to help us “diversify.”

Prayer: Lord, help us to trust in Your goodness and grace, believing that all things are possible through You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

Monday, January 7, 2013

From Trial To Triumph

Lord Kelvin is recognized as one of the greatest Scottish engineers, mathematicians and physicists of his day. He had a profound influence on the scientific thought of his generation.

On one occasion, while he was conducting an experiment with his students, it turned into a disaster. Looking at each of them he said, “Gentlemen, when you are face to face with a difficulty, you are up against a discovery.”

This is not only true in learning, it is true in living. When David was face to face with a major difficulty, he made a discovery that lasted throughout his entire life. Faced with a dilemma he cried to God, “Give me relief from my distress, be merciful to me and hear my prayer, O God.”

If it had not been for the pain he experienced, we would not have his psalms of praise. If he had not been tested and tried through his trials, we would not understand the triumphs he enjoyed. If he had not struggled to survive, we would not understand the strength he received from God.

Joseph began his path to a palace from a prison. He became the prime minister of Egypt after he served a sentence as a prisoner. And remember, Job’s boils? Ultimately, they became a blessing to him.

Whatever God brings into our lives is not to destroy or defeat us, but to develop our faith and to enable us to discover His goodness and grace.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for working in us and through us to develop us into Your likeness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.