HOW DO YOU VIEW IT?

Some years ago, I read a story told about Lord Chesterfield. The story had to do with a horse and a violin. Lord Chesterfield noted that: "A horse looks pretty much like a horse from ground level, but when you climb up in the loft and look at one from the top, a horse looks somewhat like a violin." Just so, when we are struggling with some problem, it is always good to get another view of it. Things look different when viewed from another angle.

Paul had a thorn in the flesh. it gave him all types of trouble. However, God gave him the grace needed to overcome. Paul had prayed about that thing three times. He wanted it removed. God told him that His strength was made "Perfect in weakness." ( 2 Corinthians 12 ). Paul saw the thorn in the flesh as a minus...God saw it as a plus! It all depends on the view we have of that thing.

Through our struggles of life, and we all have them, perhaps, it would be good to take another look. Look at it from another point of view. Also, and this is so important, Always ask for God's help. God has said: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." ( Hebrews 13:5 ). We are likewise assured in First Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation been taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." So, we need to always take our problems to God. James said: "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." ( James 5:11 ).

Also, we should remember that we have brothers and sisters in Christ who can help. The apostle Paul said: "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the Law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2). Our fellow Christians can be a source of strength and comfort when heavy burdens seem to wear us down. We are told in James 5:16. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

We all have problems. We all have hurts. We can allow these things to keep us from much productive work. Just remember, "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." ( Romans 8:28 ). Also, and this is so important, If you have not chosen the Lord, then do so now. Decide that you are going to follow Him the rest of your life. Dedicate yourself to that decision. Turn to his word and obey him. Ask for help from a minister of the church of Christ, or a faithful member of the church. We will be glad to assist you. According to the Bible: One must:

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- Dan Carter