FIVE POINTS

M. Scott Peck starts his book “The Road Less Traveled” with three words, "Life is difficult”.

That's so true! 

Struggles in life are inevitable. 

Nowadays, life is extra difficult with this pandemic. 

When the road is bumpy you need to hold on to something.

Here are FIVE Points that you can hold on to during these trying times. There are two points about you & three points about God.

1. Your CHARACTER over your CIRCUMSTANCES. You cannot control everything that happens in your life. But you can control your reaction. That's character. When you feel the urge to complain, stop! Do the opposite. Make a journal & list down your blessings. Pray to God & thank Him that you are still doing good despite the pandemic. Do not let your CIRCUMSTANCES control you. You are the pilot of this plane so direct it to where you want to go. Be positive, pray & practice gratitude always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus". Your CHARACTER is bigger than your CIRCUMSTANCES.
2. Your STRUGGLES make you STRONGER. American idol Kelly Clarkson, in her song “Stronger” sang, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger”. Your STRUGGLES STRENGTHEN you. God will use every struggle in your life to give you more faith, perseverance & strength. God also allows PAIN in your life to reveal His PURPOSE for you. If you’re from a broken family then God wants you to minister to those who are experiencing the same. That’s how your BURDENS become BLESSINGS. You may be struggling now but remember that for "all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Be STRONGER!
3. God CONTROLS, We COMPLY. Our history notes several human rulers who came & conquered but where are they now? The superpower countries of the world have a gazillion dollars in their central banks. Yet, not a single rich country has stop Covid-19 yet. This pandemic reminds us that man is not in control. Who is? Proverbs 19:21 says that "Many are the plans of the human heart, but it is the decision of the LORD that endures”. That verse reminds us that only God is in control. What are you called to do then? Follow God. Deuteronomy 5:33 says that we should be "following exactly the way that the LORD, your God, commanded you that you may live and prosper, & may have long life in the land which you are to possess”. God CONTROLS, we COMPLY.
4. God will NEVER ABANDON you. Jesus never promised us that He would take our burdens away. But He promised us that “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). When you are happy, God is there. When you are struggling, God is there. But you might be asking, "why don’t I feel or see God's presence?”. Because most of the time God is ahead of you already. God is "the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8). Friends & family may leave you but you don’t have to worry about God. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. He will always be with you.
5. TRUST God’s TIMING. The best Project Managers I know always have a contingent plan. If Plan A does not work then they have Plan B ready. But no matter how careful you are in preparing your plans they may still fail. But God’s plan won’t fail. He is full of wisdom & He is perfect. American directory & actor Woody Allen said that “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” What should you do then? Trust God’s timing because they are always perfect. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust God always!

I pray that these FIVE Points make a difference in your life. Hold on to them & receive the PEACE that Jesus gives.

"I have said this to you, that in me you may have PEACE. In the world you have tribulation; but take courage, I have overcome the world" - John 16:33

Have a blessed weekend! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

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