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Men of Integrity, Nov/Dec 2000
Fred's Furnace, Part 2
This Week's Theme: Surviving Storms
Friday, December 15
Key Bible Verse: A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all (Psalm 34:19). Bonus Reading: Psalm 34
Fred doesn't fully understand why one man should have so many difficulties. But he says it does three things for a person: First, it makes you aware of your intense need for God. It makes you fully understand your humanity and the fact that we live a heartbeat away from eternity. Second, it produces character in your life and refines the integrity of the heart. It strips you of the de sire to play games and pretend to be what you aren't. And third, it allows God to use you as a witness to other people, showing them that at the point of our deep need, God can and does meet His children.
When Fred was asked to talk with three different psychiatrists, one of whom had asked why he just didn't commit suicide, Fred explained his relationship with Jesus Christ. All three psychiatrists, professionals who deal with grief and difficulty every day, were left in tears.
Fred doesn't understand why some face difficulty and grow with it, as he has, and why some face similar circumstances and wither. But he does know that God will meet you at the point of your deepest need. He's been there and learned that firsthand.
—Harold J. Sala in Heroes
Respond:
Whom do you admire who has been through difficulties?
Thought to Apply:
It's a good thing to have all the props pulled out from under us occasionally. It gives us some sense of what is rock under our feet, and what is sand.
—Madeleine L'Engle (novelist)
Adapted from: Heroes (Promise, 1998).
NOTE: For your convenience, Heroes is available in the ChristianityToday.com Shopping Channel.
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Prayer for the Week |
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Thank you, Jesus, for being there when I fall.
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