Many Men Owe The Grandeur Of Their Lives…

…to their tremendous difficulties. - Charles Spurgeon

Many people owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties. God can bring grandeur out of the worst situations, trials and hardship. He can take the most horrific circumstances and from them create something great.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

In the past 30 years my husband and I have endured some difficulties; that sometimes I’m tempted to become angry and bitter about. But, this means that I’m not looking at them through eyes of faith and I think God must owe me a problem free life. I forget my blessings and indulge in self- pity. I ask why things have happened a certain way, instead of trusting in the Lord and His Word. The truth is that God never promised a trouble-free life and He certainly doesn’t owe me anything.

I wouldn’t use grandeur to describe my life, but there has been some good that has come as a result of the difficulties. Through them God has opened new opportunities for ministry and service. He has given me greater empathy for others going through similar circumstances.  My husband and I appreciate each other more and have a much richer marriage that comes from persevering together. God has brought forth fruit and I can give thanks that while not easy, the difficulties have yielded good things.

One can’t help but wonder if this quote about grandeur owed to difficulties is autobiographical. Grandeur is not a word that most people use in daily conversation. It means grand or impressive; and Charles Spurgeon’s life was certainly both. Though, he probably wouldn’t boast about himself, he must have had some sense of how great God was using him.

Lesser known is the fact that he suffered from debilitating physical pain and deep, recurring depression. He believed his difficulties were meted out by God’s Sovereign hand and viewed them as useful tools that equipped him for ministry; though, he prayed often and earnestly for relief.

The grandeur of Spurgeon’s life was owed to his tremendous difficulties.

The Bible teaches that God is Sovereign. He possesses supreme, ultimate and unrestricted power over all people, things, time and events. He brings both grandeur and difficulties to a person’s life.

But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind? Whatever he wants to do, he does. So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny.” (Job 23:13-14 NLT)

In the Bible, Joseph suffered a betrayal by his own brothers and was sold into slavery. He was wrongly accused and imprisoned; and he endured great hardship. But, he was subsequently promoted to a position of prominence in Egypt where he was instrumental in ironically providing grain to save the very ones who had sought to destroy his life; and he forgave them.

Exodus 50:20 says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (NLT)

The grandeur of Joseph’s life was owed to his tremendous difficulties.

God can bring grandeur out of tremendous difficulties; however, it’s not always easy to believe this; especially during times of suffering. But, we have to realize that we cannot see God’s master plan.

Of course, it is right to pray for deliverance from difficulties, but we shouldn’t become discouraged if the answer to our prayers is delayed.  Rather, we can be encouraged that God is doing a good work and it often involves bringing grandeur out of our tremendous difficulties.

• Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

• Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (NLT)

• Psalm 57:2 says, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.” (NLT)

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. (Psalm 138:8 NKJV)

We can know that God is mercifully working on our behalf and He will not forsake us.

“Only God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph, a victim into a victory!” Unknown

How have you seen grandeur come from difficulties?

Please click here if you would like to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior now.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

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The Greatness Of A Man’s Power Is The Measure Of His Surrender. -William Booth

Greatness and power are considered desirable qualities by most people. In fact, a person may spend their whole life in pursuit of them through monetary gain, personal fame and recognition. But, the true greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.

William Booth, preacher and founder of the Salvation Army, credited all of his success in evangelism and ministry to the complete surrender of his life to the Lord Jesus Christ; body, heart and soul.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net. 

It seems like most of the time I’m given an opportunity to serve God; I usually experience a crisis of faith before I surrender to Him.  I fret and worry, wondering how I can do what He’s asking; or take a step of faith. Then I realize that of course I can’t do it in my own strength and ability.

So, I acknowledge my inability to Him in prayer and I express my dependence on Him, telling Him that unless I have His help, I can’t do anything. He then helps me to believe that He will provide what’s needed to accomplish the task. I prayerfully step out in faith and He is faithful and trustworthy, to empower and enable me every time. He never ceases to amaze me and leave me in awe of Him. He is so worthy of all glory and honor.

Some examples of people that society values as having achieved greatness and power are Celebrities, professional athletes and self-made individuals. We applaud, admire and affirm their prowess, authority, skill, expertise, mastery and competence.

True greatness is not achieved by an accumulation of wealth, status or fame.

But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28 NLT)

God values humility and service as true greatness.

Matthew 18:1-4 says, “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” (ESV)

Jesus said we should humble ourselves like a child if we desire greatness in His Kingdom.

God doesn’t look at the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:6-8), as we do. He uses people who may lack ability and are broken. He values people that society may consider insignificant, unimportant, unrecognized and marginalized.

Real power comes when we acknowledge our helplessness and weakness apart from the Lord. There is a famous quote, “God helps those who help themselves.” But, it isn’t in the Bible. He helps the helpless. He values dependence not independence, reliance on Him and not self -reliance.

Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT)

Power comes from recognizing our need for the Lord and those who admit their weakness to Him qualify as recipients for His strength.

To surrender and submit to God, is the only appropriate response for every Christian.

Romans 12:1 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”  (NLT)

The greatness of our power is the measure that we give in, yield, submit and surrender our lives to the Lord; because when we do, we gain Him and what could be better?

Have you surrendered your life to the Lord?

Please click here if you would like to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior now.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender. William Booth | CLICK TO TWEET

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Your Word Is A Lamp For My Feet And A Light For My Path -Psalm 119:105

God’s word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. His word is a lamp because it shows us our need for Jesus Christ, our Savior. God’s word is a lamp in that it also protects us from danger and reveals truth; and His word is a lamp that guides and directs our footsteps.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net. 

One of the ways that my husband demonstrates his love is by doing all he can to ensure my safety and well-being. He ordered me a battery-operated alarm to carry with me that I can use to sound a loud noise if I’m ever in trouble. In addition, there are numerous powerful flashlights in our home, in case I’m in the dark and without electricity. There is a flashlight in my car and I carry one in my handbag as well, all because of his care.

He has also positioned several battery-operated LED lanterns in strategic places throughout the house; such as the kitchen, family room and bedrooms.

My husband has taken all of these precautions because he doesn’t want me to get hurt. He wants me to be safe; therefore, he has equipped me for danger and darkness.

God loves us and wants us safe too; that’s why He’s given us His word as a lamp for our feet. If He didn’t love us; He would have kept us in the dark and not given us the Truth.

His word is called a lamp and a light; because it contains the truth. In it we read about our sinfulness and His holiness. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the true source of Spiritual light. If we receive and follow Jesus as our Lord and Savior; we will not walk in darkness or sin, but we will have the light that leads to life.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’”  (John 8:12 NLT)

God’s word is a lamp for our feet that prepares and equips us for our journey through life.

Proverbs 6:23 says, “The Law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teachings shine brightly. Correction and self-control will lead you through life.” (CEV)

God’s word is a lamp for our feet that shines brightly in a dark world.

Just as it would be dangerous to drive down a dark road without headlights, it is dangerous for us to live without the lamp of God’s word.

We need a lamp for our feet, because sometimes the way is dark and treacherous. We may face obstacles like temptation, deception and numerous false paths intended to harm us.

God’s word is a lamp that gives light and understanding.

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.” (Psalm 119:130 NLT)

God’s word is a lamp to guide and direct us. Each day we are faced with multiple decisions to make. But, as we read the Bible we can receive guidance and direction.

Psalm 19:8 says, “The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.” (NLT)

God’s word is a lamp that shows us how to live and walk; like a Spiritual compass. His Word illuminates the path for each step and, keeps us from missteps and wrong turns.

Living without the Word of God is like trying to go somewhere you’ve never been without directions.

Do you use the Word of God as a lamp for your feet and a light for your path?

Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Please click here if you would like to do so now.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105 GW) | CLICK TO TWEET

For more FREE Inspirational Quote Cards you can use and share click HERE

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NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth