Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.Romans 5:3-5
I am very thankful to not have been in a war and lost a limb or worse or had leg or arm amputation. Bethany Hamilton(aka Soul Surfer) lost her left arm to a tiger shark in 2003 while surfing in Hawaii. She was 13 years old. Many people who have injuries such as hers or soldiers in combat would just want to give up and hibernate. Not Hamilton, who is now Mrs. Dirks and a mom.
Perseverance is the name of the game. Her attitude shines and she is an overcomer from how she could have ended up. The new movie that bears her name released in early July entitled ‘Unstoppable:The Bethany Hamilton Story’. She truly was unstoppable wanting to prove to herself she could still be a champion surfer and win titles even with the loss of an arm.
Every day when you wake up do you rejoice or find things to complain about? Everybody has a different load to bear but God is your hope. Keep your problems in proper perspective. When asked by a reporter about losing her arm Bethany indicated she would not change anything because this trial got her closer to God and helped her be stronger and reach more people for the Lord. (Not the exact words). Anyway on your journey maybe your arm has not been chomped off by a tiger shark but what are you facing. Keep looking to God and knowing He will see you through.
PRAYER: My Hope is built in nothing less than Jesus love and righteousness. I am grateful for bad times because they have taught me valuable lessons. I know my ultimate goal is preparation for the kingdom of heaven so help me see every day as an opportunity to reach out to others with your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Becky: A man at our church was the victim of an accident when he was about 17. He was on a moped-type scooter. When I met him he was a quadriplegic who used a power chair. He was paralyzed from the neck down. He had a great witness for the LORD. When he prayed for any of us, we KNEW we had been prayed for and that God heard them. He has been with Jesus and is in our cloud of witnesses. I know he greets each of our people after they enter through those golden gates. I like to think that he dances with all the women he knew here on earth. And runs foot races with all the men.
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