Life sometimes hands us lemons but it is our choice whether we make lemonade or keeping sucking on the sour lemons.
This world is by no means perfect and we know from God’s word we would have trouble in this world, which we most certainly do. Often, I look at the world around me and I question if I am really making an impact because there is often so much heartache, pain and disappointment. I wish I could snap my fingers and make all of the pain for my family disappear, but I have finally come to the realization that pain often brings us to the place God really intended for us to be in the first place, but through our own stubbornness or sinfulness or sin of others, we have gotten off the path that was originally intended for us and our lives.
Pain is something no one wants to feel or face, but I know from my own experiences the pain that I have felt has usually drawn me closer to God and His Word. Pain leads us through the long tunnel of trying to understand and often during this time, we question if it is all worth it, but then we when we reach the other side of the tunnel, we have the power to say “ I made it”. I know the pain and struggles to get to that place in our lives are often hard, deep and taxing on our hearts and souls, but God is always there trying to steer us to the right path to find hope and healing.
When I lost my grandmother to murder 16 years ago, I turned my back on God for many, many months due to the anger I had. I could not understand how this loving God would allow my grandmother to be murdered by my grandfather, who then took his own life. Yet, that was my reality. Why was it that way? I don’t really know and I probably will not ever understand fully this side of heaven, but I have finally come to the realization that without that pain and struggle my relationship and dependence on God would not be the way it is today. I would not have known the Word, lived the Word and seen the Word come true in my own life other than through the struggles I have faced. Life has handed me many lemons over the years, but before I would have chosen to keep sucking on the sour lemon instead of seeing how God was asking me to use that lemon to make lemonade to show His glory.
Through pain and heartache, we are taught to trust, stand and believe. I pray today that you are willing to put your faith in my wonderful Savior. He wants to become your Savior too. Take the time today to ask Him to come into your heart and forgive you of your sins knowing He will stand beside you all the days of your life; never leaving you nor forsaking you. Hebrews 13:5. He has his hand out waiting just for you.
Angie Webb is an avid book lover and writer. She is the author at her website, www.joyfulnewsletter.com. She has been married to her husband, Mike for 29 years and has 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. Angie is a group leader of Melissa Taylors’s Online Bible Studies through Proverbs 31.org. Angie loves to help others find healing no matter what tragedy or trial you are facing. Please visit her website today. Her previous blog also hosts many past blog posts. It is located at http://www.joyfuljourneynewsletter.blogspot.com
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I’m so sorry about your grandmother, well and your grandfather, too. How traumatic! Unfortunately, like you said, sometimes life gives us lemons. I think that God doesn’t take the choice away from others. And we become victims of other’s choices. I’m most certain He wept right along with you.
Oh, thank you for your post!!! Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather
Our pastor is in a series about spiritual growth. This week he reminded us that part of our growth is the sifting process. And actually without the sifting and the difficult times that come with them we would not grow very much. The times that are most challenging help us exercise our faith on many levels and draw us closer to the Lord than would otherwise be possible. We should welcome these trials. But, it is surely easier to say than do. Yes? Thank you for the encouragement
Thank you for such a lovely post.