INSPIRASUNS

I was listening to a podcast this morning while walking. The co-hosts were discussing fitness, and one of the important pieces they focused on was dealing with stress. We all know that stress in our lives is not a good thing, and how we handle it really does play a part in our overall health.

One of the co-hosts shared that he and his wife follow a process: when something bad happens, they say, “It’s good that this happened”. He shared that it’s almost a game now for them, as they have been doing this for a long time. He went on to explain that once you acknowledge the issue, declare that it’s good it happened, you can then go on to determine how best to address, correct, and grow from the situation. He then said, “I know there are some of you listening right now thinking, “Ya, it’s easy for you to say”. I admit, I was thinking that as the guy talked! He then encouraged listeners to just give it a try.

Things at work are picking back up again, and I have several projects coming up, where I’ve been wading through some challenges. This morning, I took some time to test the podcaster’s suggestion. I have to admit, in each case, I did come away thinking, it IS good that this happened, now I can address the issue and keep moving forward.

As I thought about the podcast, the suggestion for turning a challenge into an opportunity, I realized there was one thing missing from the host’s process. He didn’t have the Lord in the equation. I’m not faulting the podcaster; it’s just that having God in the center of the decisions we make and the way we handle challenges, well, that makes all the difference. Once we recognize the challenge, asking Him to direct our path, asking Him to help us grow and learn, leaning on Him for strength to do what’s needed, that’s where the real opportunity comes.

So friends, if you find yourself facing a challenge today, I encourage you to say, “It’s a good thing this happened, Lord, I can learn and grow from this, please show me how”. I’m betting the stress you feel will lessen, and the strength you need will be abundant.

Have a good day, friends. Prayers this morning for the return of sweet Emily Rea. Father, please return this child of yours home to her family.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.