Christian Living

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LIFE ISN'T A BOWL OF CHERRIES RIGHT NOW BUT IT ISN'T THE PITS EITHER! By Rev. Stanley L. Derickson Ph.D. (First published in Voice, magazine of the Independent Fundamental Churches of America.)

Have you ever had one of "THOSE DAYS,” or maybe "ONE OF THOSE WEEKS" or possibly even "ONE OF THOSE MONTHS" where nothing went correctly? Judith Viorst wrote a children's story called "ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY. If you can find a copy at your library I'm sure you would enjoy it. Each time I read the story I am more convinced than ever that she was writing about adult life! It is the story of a small boy that has a day when nothing at all goes right.

Paul the apostle introduces us to the fact that he had some real "TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD problem times in his own life in II Corinthians 4:8,9.

This text has four phrases that are very full of implication to the believer that is in the midst of troubles and trials.

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;"

The term trouble is also translated in the New Testament as suffering tribulation and affliction. Paul is relating to the Corinthians that there are some real problems and troubles that he is having to deal within his life and ministry.

There is a play on words in this phrase that is not evident in the English translation. The term trouble means in a narrow spot, and the term distressed has the idea of being crowded into a narrower spot. Could we say, "between the rock and a hard spot, but not stuck in concrete?"

Indeed, this is a narrow spot that Paul is speaking of, but with Gods assistance we will never be crowded to a point where we can't pass.

No matter how far the Lord allows the devil to push, we always have room to maneuver. We always have room to fight!.

Paul notes that these troubles are on every side. The problems he was facing were coming from the people and situations around him. We need to realize that the problems of the day usually come from a close proximity to us. Our job, our family, our cash flow, our ministries, our cars, our houses etc.

Troubles and trials will appear on your sunny horizon every now and then to give you those cloudy days.

Indeed, you may at times feel that you are living in the tropics when the monsoon rains are upon you - BUT may I remind you that you have a very effective umbrella that can care for every drop of your trouble if you will allow Him to.

Paul in these two verses gives us a tremendous declaration that no matter how bad it gets there is always a God that will suffice in your every need.

"We are perplexed, but not in despair;"

The term perplexed can be translated doubt. Doubt comes from a root meaning of twice or two. The apostle is thinking twice about his situation yet he is "not in despair." It is of interest that this phrase is constructed to indicate that the apostle is doing the acting. He is perplexed, but he won't allow himself to be in despair. He won't give up. He won't be left with no hope. The other three phrases are constructed in such a way that they show that the those things going on around him are not of his doings. They are testings and trials that the Lord has allowed into his life.

He has made a conscious commitment to face all that the Lord has allowed to come upon him and not give up.

"persecuted, but not forsaken;"

The term persecuted is used by Paul in Phil. 3:14 where he states, "I PRESS toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." He is really pressed by his situation but "not forsaken!" He may be in the middle of trials plus a bunch, yet he knows, he has a confidence that the Lord is still in control!

"cast down, but not destroyed;"

"Destroy" has an interesting formulation. It means to ruin a structure. The term comes from a French term meaning structure with the "de" prefix which means to take apart the structure.

Paul has been submitted to many trials and problems yet he has not been taken apart!

As we face trials and problems of life we need to consciously analyze the situation and realize that these trials are from the Lord for His purpose and His plan for our lives. We need to realize that He is building us up for the labors that He has planned for us in the future.

We might even say that, "HE IS THE ONE THAT BUILDS IN THE STRESS FACTOR - THAT WHICH WE NEED TO FACE THE TROUBLES AHEAD!"

In shock absorber factories they have a large machine. It is in the factory for only one reason and that is to harden the steel rods that take the shock of the bumps and jolts of the road . The machine prepares the rods for the stresses and strains of the road. This machine causes great heat in the rod as it is nearing the end of its process which causes great hardness.

Without this hardening there would not be enough strength to go through the life of the shock without being bent beyond use.

God is in the business of hardening us for life's bumps and jolts!

Without God to give us this hardening there would be no use in our going out into the world to minister!

This hardening process is a must! It is not an easy process but it is a necessary process!

Our emphasis is to be the confidence that we place in Him to carry us through!

If you are going through some very hard times you can be assured that the Lord is preparing you for situations that will require great stress handling capabilities.

The devil may have you in a corner, however God always gives you room to maneuver and to find an opening in the opponent’s offense to gain the victory.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not permit you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will, with the temptation, also make the way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." The term used here is translated "temptation" however the term is also translated trial in the New Testament. (I Pet. 4:12,13)

We can see from this text that Paul had some times when he was really pressed with troubles yet he knew that the Lord was in control and that the Lord would provide the way through!

In short, I think we could say, "Life is the pits, however I'm still enjoying the flavor of the cherries, and I know the pits will spring forth into life and bear fruit for our Lord one day!"

WHEN TRIALS FACE US HOW CAN WE HOPE FOR A BETTER PROMISE THAN THIS - THAT GOD WILL ALWAYS GIVE US AN OPTION!

He is in the business of training and preparing you - your responsibility is to live through that to which He has called you!

No matter how hard the trials, remember that He will give you the strength and way through those trials so that you may give Him the victory and glory!