How to Become a Winner When Bad Times Show Up - Spiritual Nugget 95

If you have ever had your car windshield crack, a sudden leak in your kitchen plumbing, a close friend or relative unexpectedly become seriously ill, or some other dark scene from a nightmare shows up, you probably feel like a yellow “do not enter tape” or a “detour” sign has been posted on your life.
 
When all kinds of other “kooky stuff” happens over which we have no control, fear and anxiety immediately emerge and you question what else could possibly go bonkers. 
 
One of the repetitive questions is, “Why me?” 
 
Someone might answer, “Why not you?”
 
Since man has free will and the ability to make choices, the essence of Godly love has chosen afflictions to bring about sweeping changes in our personalities toward His Divine will. 
 
Individual afflictions, national afflictions (wars), persecution and antagonism toward our faith in Jesus Christ, are the primary categories of afflictions. A few of the well-recognized individual afflictions are illness, poverty, oppression of the weak, and conquests. 
 
Compared to a refiner’s fire, God uses afflictions to purify and remove the impurities, the garbage, the trash, and the debris in each soul. Most important is that all these afflictions become subordinate to God’s grace (His undeserved favor) which is active and powerful to overcome any affliction through Christ.
 
To many, the idea of afflictions being a form of God’s love is way over the top with no foundation of truth. But the solid cornerstone of this truth rests in God’s Son. 

Jesus was the visible profile of the servant who withstood and overcame the afflictions of individual suffering, national afflictions (war between Jews and Gentiles), and persecution and antagonism for having faith in His Father’s plan to bring freedom to mankind. 
 
Strengthening yourself mentally and emotionally against afflictions will not be a cakewalk. It will require patience and determination of the will with expectancy and hope. Avoid whining at all costs; pity parties always bring uninvited guests, e.g. oppression, depression, fear. It may seem as if your circumstances are not getting better, or they may appear to be getting worse, but hang in there and keep relying on and thanking God for making you a winner! (1 Corinthians 15:57) 
 
Statistics say it takes 1 to 3.3 billion years for a natural diamond to form. Yes, diamonds can be man-made, but they will never be as valuable as natural diamonds, nor will they be as durable. By comparison, look on the bright side. You can look forward to a much shorter growth period!
 
Always give your cares to Jesus, and trust in His faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness. (I Peter 5:7) Remember, the Love of the entire universe abides on the Throne and Jesus Christ is still Lord! (Ephesians 1:3)

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