Monday, July 20, 2009

How Do We Grow Strong Spiritually?


It's in difficult situations that we grow spirituality stronger, when we have to actually exercise our faith.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
(Romans 5:3-4, NIV)


When I attended a Sweet Saturday women's get-together at church about a month ago, I realized that whenever God spoke to people in the Bible, he always chose ways to use them that challenged them to exercise faith. For example, telling Abraham to use sacrifice his only son, Isaac, Joshua winning the battle of Jericho by marching around the city, Gideon delivering the Israelites from the Midianites using just 300 men and horns, pitchers and torches, Moses with the parting of the Red Sea, speaking to a rock to get water, etc., and many, many more. What examples come to your mind?

When we encounter difficult circumstances and really have to exercise our faith, it seems that's when we see God at work in our own life which builds us up and increases our faith. Some of these times in my life were trusting God and obeying my parents even though I disagreed their decision to move, not knowing what to do after high school graduation and God provided a full 4-year scholarship, trusting God to do new things such as teach Sunday School, lead a youth group, learn to swim when I was afraid I'd drown, work as a temp which lead to a good permanent job, provide me a wonderful husband, provide us a great house we could afford, comfort in grieving and strength to do all that needed to get done when my dad died, courage to write My Funny Dad, Harry that I felt God leading me to do and be at peace about the future which I know he has all planned out for me and is in his hands.

I find it interesting that I schedule these posts ahead. I really needed this reminder now for myself because I just found out I need to have a biopsy on my right breast--they saw something "suspicious" on my last mammogram. This can't be good, but I know God knew all about this and will help me deal with whatever comes my way. Other people have gone through some bad times, now it's my turn again to keep growing stronger spiritually.

What has God brought you through that has increased your faith?

12 comments:

Homestay Mama said...

I'll be praying, Karen. In the meantime I know you know that nothing happens to us without God's permission. And he will use this situation to bring glory to himself.

*Hugs*

Unknown said...

a great find for panda fanatic!
my roommate and i LOVE this bag
hkpanda.freetzi.com

LUCKYLADY said...

KAREN I HAVE HAD BOTH BREAST REMOVED I AM ALIVE BUT I DO PRAY THAT ALL IS WELL WITH YOU KEEP ME POSTED YOU HAVE MY E ADDRESS WILL BE THINKING OF YOU

Maria said...

Please keep us posted. You will be in my prayers. Your strength and faith are very admirable :)

Karen said...

Good luck with your biopsy. It will probably turn out to be nothing but it is good to have it checked out. Praying for you.

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said...

Homestay Mama: Thanks for your prayers. I know I'm in God's hands but just hate the doctor hassle stuff.

Flores Hayes: What?

Lucky Lady: Wow, I know others have been through much more than this and am hoping it's nothing. Thanks for your prayers and I will keep you posted.

Maria: Thanks for your prayers. I'll keep you posted.

Yeo KeeHui said...

God knows and He cares. He has been taking good care of us all these years and He will continue to do so.

Maria said...

I really hope our biopsy brings good new and I am praying for you! God has so often answered my prayers and I feel his presense when I need him. That is what keeps my faith strong. Please keep us posted on your results!

myfunnydadharry@sbcglobal.net said...

Yeo: Yes, I know God cares--thanks for the reminder.

Maria: Yes, God does answer prayer--not always according to our will but His. I'll keep you posted and appreciate your prayers!

Grace said...

I'm here to drop EC. How was your weekend? :)

DayPhoto said...

Blogger drives me bats. It keeps dumping me off. But I come back, just like a bad penny! :)

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

DayPhoto said...

I am praying for you. Maybe it is just a cyst. Momma had those and we ALWAYS became very worried. Please let us know how things go.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

"My Funny Dad, Harry" Book Giveaway

Congratulations to all the winners of the giveaway for "My Funny Dad, Harry" at Red Pine Mountain. I am so happy that four of my regular commenters won! Read what Tim thought of it at Everyday Living.