*There's only been a couple times I've ever heard a testimony from someone who didn't point out all these serious things they became involved with and then later were released from. Around early high school sometime, maybe even in middle school, I came across one such testimony. It was an instance in which I knew she was speaking directly to me, as I always chose to steer clear of many negative behaviors/activities growing up and didn't really have an "exciting" or extensive testimony at that point. And although I don't remember who the speaker was, or really pretty much anything she said, one thing she mentioned has certainly stuck w/ me ever since… it was a new perspective. Not only had I not done all these different things to later be freed from thru a Christ-centered transformation in my life, but He saved me from ever having to go thru those things to begin with!
I recently came across the phrase "MAKE USE OF SUFFERING" which instantly began my mind racing about all these different ways that statement is true. It's even a core part of Christianity. Many people don't necessarily look at it as being core to Christianity, but if u really stop to think about it, you'll prob. realize that it very much is. It's a core part of both Christianity and life in general b/c at the end of the day, it's all about how we make use of our time and what we do w/ what we're given. There are certainly times in everyone's life where they will endure various hardship and suffering… but ultimately, it's HOW WE DEAL W/ IT THAT MATTERS THE MOST!
How Did You Die? -Edmund Vance Cooke-
Did you tackle that trouble that came your way
With a resolute heart and cheerful?
Or hide your face from the light of day
With a craven soul and fearful?
Oh, a trouble’s a ton, or a trouble’s an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it.
And it isn’t the fact that you’re hurt that counts,
But only how did you take it?
You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what’s that?
Come up with a smiling face.
It’s nothing against you to fall down flat,
But to lie there – that’s disgrace.
The harder you’re thrown, why the higher you bounce;
Be proud of your blackened eye!
It isn’t the fact that you’re licked that counts;
It’s how did you fight and why?
And though you be done to the death, what then?
If you battled the best you could;
If you played your part in the world of men,
Why the Critic will call it good.
Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce,
And whether he’s slow or spry,
It isn’t that fact that you’re dead that counts,
But only how did you die?
For better or worse, live or die, it's all about the fight to stay true to who you are, what you believe, and what you were created for!
