Things Work Out Best For Those Who Make The Best Of The Way Things Work Out. -John Wooden

It’s so true that things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out. It’s quite easy to accept favorable circumstances in life, but what about the unwelcome, unexpected and uninvited circumstances that can catch us by surprise? Our response to these events can cause things to work out best if we learn to make the best of the way things work out.

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

I’ve mentioned before that I went through a major depression about 6 years ago and while I’m unqualified to dispense medical advice, I did want to share how I believe God led me in my recovery. The first thing I had to do was to surrender or submit the situation to God, then I had to submit to the care of qualified professionals and then to the desires of my concerned husband. As a result, I had to do several things I really didn’t want to do, but did in order to get well.

I would have never chosen this ordeal for myself, but I can now see the good that has come from this difficult time. For some reason, this period of darkness gave birth to creativity. Specifically, writing, cooking and art. Also, I have had a strong desire to give back since I was the recipient of so much compassion. I joined a women’s ministry that helps hurting women to heal. So, while I wouldn’t care to repeat this trial; I grew through it and learned by the grace of God, that things really do work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.

Circumstances in life don’t always go the way we want or plan, but, things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out; and for Christians, this means we respond to undesirable circumstances with faith which leads to a positive attitude.

Our hope should come from a deeply grounded faith that believes God is working in both favorable and unfavorable circumstances for our good, especially when life makes it seem otherwise.

Here is a wonderful promise for believers:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT)

The alternative to making the best of things; it is to make things worse, like I sometimes do when I respond to negative circumstances with bitterness, discouragement, disappointment, depression, regret, sorrow, hopelessness, despair, and anger. But, this only doubles the trouble.

Of course, it’s only natural to feel unpleasant emotions, when we experience unexpected circumstances; however, even though it’s difficult, we need to accept and deal with the circumstances, so we can move forward. If we don’t, we may give up, become ill, destroy our relationships; lose faith, and actually prolong the pain.

We can trust that God is accomplishing a good work in us from the things that don’t work out in our lives.  

Romans 5:3-5 says, “3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (NLT)

We can make the best of how things work out in our lives by rather than resisting change, which is inevitable; we instead reframe negative circumstances to see them as growth opportunities, and possibilities that God is opening new doors for us.

Growth is never easy, but in fact, it is often painful and hard, but so worth it in the end.

2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (NLT)

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV)

Our present circumstances are only temporary; therefore, it’s best to keep an eternal perspective, especially during times of difficulty and suffering.

What do you do to make the best of circumstances in your life?

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!

For more FREE Inspirational Quote Cards you can use and share click HERE | CLICK TO TWEET

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows…

• 7 Biblical Christian Mantras I Find Helpful

• 7 Ways to Pray When You’re Suffering

• How to Renew Your Mind and Think More Positively

• Four Steps to Climb Out of a Pit of Depression

• 4 Characteristics in the Attitude of a Winner, Part 1

• How Biblical Thought Replacement Creates Time and Energy

• How to Balance Content and Discontent in the Christian Life

• Podcast Is it OK to be angry with God?

• How to be Smarter About Failure in Life

• How to Handle the Death of a Loved One

• The Best Quick Biblical Answer to Suffering

• How to Grow Through a Season of Loss 

• How to Overcome the Agony of Discouragement and Find Hope Again

• Podcast Can a Christian take medications to help brain chemistry?

• Podcast Why Aren’t My Prayers Answered?

• Quote card: Afflictions add to the saint’s glory…How to Know God’s Will in Difficult Decisions

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

Worrying Is Carrying Tomorrow’s Load With Today’s Strength…

Worrying about the future is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength. It is carrying two days at once. The truth is each day has its own problems, pressures and concerns. Yet, so often we are tempted to add to the strain of today, with anxious thoughts about tomorrow; regarding things which may never happen.

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

This is not easy to confess, but as I write this article, I am convicted by how much time I spend worrying. I think God is challenging me to trust Him with each care and outcome, since I have no control over what will happen anyway.

Specifically, I spend a lot of time worrying about the future. I wonder how we will get through the next several years, as my husband and I grow older and face significant health issues. The answer is of course, that we will manage the same way as with everything else; by the grace of God and one day at a time.

The Cambridge dictionary defines worrying as: “making you feel unhappy and frightened.” What an appropriate definition of how worrying makes one feel.

It’s okay to think and plan for the future, but worrying means that we’re thinking about the future in a way that causes fear or undue anxiety.

Sometimes, we may not even realize we’re worrying because it has become such an ingrained habit.For others, worrying may be a medical problem. According to Harvard Medical School, “Everyone feels afraid or worried at times, but if these feelings begin to take over your life, then you may have crossed over into Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which is the most common anxiety disorder among older adults, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), which may require professional treatment.”

The Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

Worrying increases our stress and decreases the strength we need to face today’s problems.

In addition, worrying can mean that we are leaving God out of the equation. We may unintentionally forget about Him and doubt that He will be sufficient for our needs.

In the Bible, Jesus’ teaching about worrying is clear. He contrasts unbelievers with believers (Matthew 6:25 -34 NLT). Unbelievers spend time worrying about food and clothing. They are worrying about their needs and carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength. But believers are not to worry, because we have a heavenly Father who provides for all of His creatures.

Matthew 6:25-27 says, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (NLT)

Surely if our heavenly Father cares so much about the birds, He will certainly provide for us who are created in His own image.

Worrying is a great temptation, but we don’t have to succumb to its enticement.

In fact, we gain nothing by worrying about tomorrow; but instead we lose so much. Worrying can negatively impact our health; cause us to exchange joy for sadness and lead us to surrender our peace for fear. Worrying robs us of living in the present moment; and it steals our contentment and gratitude.

Also, if we’re worrying, more than likely; we’re less engaged, and unable to give today’s activities and others our full attention.

In addition, worrying means that we’re missing the opportunity to please God through faith in Him.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

So, what can we do when we’re worrying and tempted to carry two days at once?

God has a solution for us in the Bible.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV)Philippians 4:6-7 says, “6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

We can turn our worrying into prayers and receive peace, calm, joy and contentment, from the Lord. 

Do you spend time worrying about the future?

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!

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength – carrying two days at once.” –Corrie Ten Boom | CLICK TO TWEET

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

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows…

• 7 Reasons Christianity Provides the Ultimate in Positive Thinking

• 7 Ways to Pray When You’re Suffering

• How to Renew Your Mind and Think More Positively

• Four Steps to Climb Out of a Pit of Depression

• How to Overcome the Agony of Discouragement and Find Hope Again

• Faith Means Acting When You Feel Inadequate

• 7 Biblical Christian Mantras I Find Helpful

• You Can Do It!How to Tackle a Mountain-Sized Goal in Faith

• 4 Characteristics in the Attitude of a Winner, Part 1

• How Biblical Thought Replacement Creates Time and Energy

• How to Balance Content and Discontent in the Christian Life

• Quote card: Afflictions add to the saint’s glory…

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

God’s Dawn Always Follows Grief’s Darkness. -Woodrow Kroll

God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness; just as sure as dawn always follows the darkness of night. In our grief, we may think we will never see the light of day again; but our God is faithful to heal and restore us. His dawn always follows the darkest night. This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net. 

The hardest loss for me was the death of my youngest brother nearly 19 years ago. I confess that initially, I didn’t handle it well. At first, I felt shock and then anger. Then the tears flowed uncontrollably, both privately and publicly. For a while, I couldn’t stop crying.

His death happened so suddenly. He was only 29 years old. He left a wife and two daughters; ages 7 and 9 years old. No words or offer of help could comfort me. One day, during the first week of his passing, alone in my home, I buried my face in my bed and wailed. It was like something broke inside and I cried harder than I ever had before.

Then later, the same week, at his celebration of life, I testified that I would see my brother again in heaven because he was a believer. After that my anger gave way to acceptance, then hope and finally joy. God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness and the Lord’s light pierced my darkness and He gave me peace.

All people experience grief, and it’s very personal and individual (Proverbs 14:10). It may come from the death of a loved one; or perhaps the loss of a job or promotion. We may lose our health, or we may encounter the grief and sorrow that comes from rejection or separation from a family member or a friend.

Each situation produces grief and we may feel like the darkness will last forever.

You have distanced my loved one and friend from me. My only friend is darkness.” Psalm 88:18 (ESV)

But, God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness.

It is healthy to grieve and important not to minimize the pain. We can take as much time to grieve our losses as necessary. Loss and grief are difficult to bear and sometimes too much isolation can make us feel worse.

It’s good to spend some time alone, but also to seek out the company of compassionate friends. 

Attending a good, biblically based Christian church is always important, but especially during grief. We may not feel like being around others, and we may have to force ourselves, but it will help tremendously.

We shouldn’t go through grief alone. During grief, the Lord is with us of course, but we also need people to walk with us. Even though some people may offer unhelpful advice, trying to help, so we will need to extend some grace. Overall, I have found being around others beneficial during grief.

Some find a grief support group helpful. Others may need professional help to work through prolonged grief.

Grief is biblical. The Bible is full of people who’ve experienced a full range of human emotions including grief and sorrow.

Psalm 6:6 says, “I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.” (NLT)Lamentations 5:5 says, “Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.”(NLT)Psalm 38:6 says, “I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.” (NIV)

Grief is painful, but it doesn’t have to be permanent.

Because of Jesus Christ, we grieve as those who have hope. We know for those who die in the Lord, that we will see them again. In addition, we can look to Him and His Word in the midst of suffering and pain. Eventually, God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness.

The Bible confirms this truth:

Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.”(NLT)Psalm 126:5 says, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” (NIV)

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” (Psalm 30:11-12 AMP)

Keep your eyes on the horizon, because God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness, and joy will come around again.

Look to the Lord for healing and comfort.

Psalm 40:2-3 says, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” (NIV)

Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (NIV)

God is the giver of light and joy. He can carry us and give us a new song. He can heal our broken hearts.

“God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness.”

How have you experienced God’s dawn after grief’s darkness?

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!

“God’s dawn always follows grief’s darkness.” –Woodrow Kroll | CLICK TO TWEET

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

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Four Steps to Climb Out of a Pit of Depression

• How to Grow Through a Season of Loss How to be Smarter About Failure in Life

• 3 Trees That Explain Suffering (a series of 3 articles)

• Seven Ways to Pray When You’re Suffering

• Why is There so Much Pleasure in the World?

• My Classmate Bart Ehrman’s Hopeless Response to Suffering

• How to Overcome the Agony of Discouragement and Find Hope Again 

• Podcast: Can a Christian take medications to help brain chemistry?

• Podcast: Is it OK to be angry with God?

• Podcast: Why Aren’t My Prayers Answered?

• Podcast: How should I pray when suffering?

• Quote card: Afflictions add to the saint’s glory…6 Solutions When You Suffer for Doing Good

• Have You Been Pecked At?

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