Texture by Jay Hilgert Nebula Paper 5
You’re up against surmountable odds. The challenge in front of you seems impossible to overcome. You feel the weight of the entire world will crush you at any moment. You’re physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. And then…just when you think you can’t navigate through the muck and mire any longer…a light at the end of the black tunnel appears. It’s just the tiniest sliver of hope, but enough to keep you focused.
And the tide turns. You make it through…although maybe a little worse for wear. And the emotions are all over the board. Joyful, but relieved. Wiser, but still a little dazed. Exhilarated, but exhausted. You’ve overcome the tempest. And are stronger for the experience.
We’re challenged by things in life for a reason. While we all wish our lives to be all rainbows and butterflies all the time, the truth is that a life without struggles doesn’t help us discover anything about ourselves. It’s only when we’re forced to navigate through the hellholes of life that we discover what we’re really made of; discover our inner strength; discover our faith…or lack thereof.
I believe God helps us understand the power of faith by allowing us to fall into those hellholes once in a while. Be honest…how easy is it to believe when everything is going great? When prosperity blesses our lives, we jump on the grace bandwagon and think God’s a pretty swell guy. But misstep into one of those holes; put seemingly impossible challenges and struggles in our way…that’s truly when we discover how skillful…and faithful…we really are in overcoming life’s storms.
What tempest have you overcome lately?
Peripheral Perceptions 
So So True! Well said.
Leslie
abcw team
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So eloquently and truthfully stated as always. I don’t know how people without faith make it through those tough times…at least, it’s what has gotten me through some situations.
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Hellholes is the perfect word. I have one particular friend who is in the Hellhole right now. I believe he is the modern day Job. Its hard to believe one person can have so many seemingly insurmountable problems all at once.
If he didn’t have such a strong faith to cling to I think he would have lost it long ago.
His wife is on the operating table right now having open heart surgery. Prognosis is grave.
Its a test of our Faith too.
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An excellent post – certainly one to provoke some deep thinking.
I worry when time seems to go by without worries – there’s always something round the corner.
Complacency is an idle place to be.
Denise ABC Team
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Hi Lisa,
Your point that struggle makes us stronger is so very true. It’s a great thought to keep in mind when we are in the middle of challenging circumstances. Thanks for the reminder. Thanks also for your encouraging comment on my first ABC post 🙂
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Can I get back with you as soon as I survive the current tempest? ;o) To me one of the most comforting aspects of faith is realizing this life isn’t ‘it’. The Lord does have a purpose for my life and whatever trial I am going through. As I’ve gotten older I’ve stopped applying ‘this too shall pass’ to only rough times and learned to apply to the good times too. It helps me savor those times and prepare for the coming tempest – whatever that may be.
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My goodness. I get just so…irritated by people who get all pious when things are going well, but curse God the moment things get a bit rugged.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
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Well my latest one has been with the computer and email. Three days trying to send an extremely important one. Just succeeded and experienced all of the above. But seriously, I hope I have learned, (but Satan is listening right now!) never to doubt God’s wisdom. Even when my troubles are of my own making He still brings out the best. And when I don’t even know why, He still is bringing His purposes about. Great post. We are so complacent.
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I had to get back to you Lisa. Talk about being an overcomer!!
I’m talking in reference to my friend having heart surgery this AM.
Doctors did a scan before surgery to check if the blood clot had moved anywhere. They couldn’t find it. It hadn’t broken up it was just gone. The Doctors told my friends that this is a miracle. there is no other explanation for it. That’s amazing coming from the Doctors themselves.
So
No cutting and she has been cleared of the grave surgery.
Isn’t it wonderful to really know that miracles still happen?
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Beautiful post. Some people have hugh hellholes to overcome and I looked to them with such admiration. I’ve had some in my life and found the faith to overcome thank God. Thank you for sharing today.
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This is a wonderful essay. People often find strength they didn’t know they had when faced with the worst. Obstacles I have overcome? Thx for asking. Lately it’s been battling manic depression (especially the depressed side) by getting out of the house and walking, talking with strangers, and making sure I’m on track with meds and therapy.
The bigger obstacles were overcome by my mother, and she is the star of my poem for ABC this week. Thanks so much for posting this. Peace, Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.com/2012/04/26/omaha-nebraska-abc-weds/
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Great quote. “Overcome” is a good message to spread. Nice one for O. Thanks for visiting my blog.
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Did you read my post from last night?
Or were you really just reading about Oreo cookies?
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I AM GOING THROUGH A VERY DARK TIME RIGHT NOW. i AM 52 AND MY HUSBAND IS 56/ HE JUST RETIRED AND WE JUST HAD OUR FIRST GRANDSON 5 MONTHS AGO AND OUR YOUNGEST DAUGHTER IS EXPECTING THEIR FIRST CHILD NEXT YEAR. BUT NOW THE DAUGHTER THAT HAS THE 5 MONTH OLD HAS DECIDED SHE WANTS TO BECOME A LESBIAN. SO NOW ER ARE GOING TO RAISE OUR GRANDSON. THEN WE FIND OUR OUR OTHER DAUGHTER MAY HAVE HAD A MISCARRIAGE. THIS IS ALL TOO HARD TO COMPREHEND RIGHT NOW AND I HAVE TO ASK “WHY” BUT THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING IN GODS PLAN. BUT ITS VERY HARD TO UNDERSTAND WHY SOMETHINGS HAPPEN AT THE TIME THEY DO. BUT GODS TIMING IS NEVER OFF OR WRONG. SO I REQUEST YOUR PRAYERS FOR MY 2 DAUGHTERS AND MY HUSBAND AND I AND MOST OF ALL OUR PRECIOUS GRANDSON ♥♥♥
GOD BLESS
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