Articles
Remember Yesterday, Improve Tomorrow
The story is told of a young man who while walking in the woods, fell into a very deep hole. After multiple attempts to climb out, he came to the realization that he wasn’t going to be able to climb out. Knowing he was in the woods, miles from anyone, he didn’t expect anyone would hear him, but he resorted to shouting for help. After several hours, along came an elderly man who asked if he needed help. “Yes” he shouted in reply, to which the old man jumped into the hole. In total disbelief, the young man said, “are you crazy, now we’re both in this hole?” The old man simply smiled and said, “yes, but I’ve been here before and I know the way out!”
Four things have happened to me in the past few days to prompt me using that story and to write this article. First, I'm aware of someone who has just triumphed over a hardship he has been under for some time. He now can use what he knows to help others God may put in his path. The second thing was a friend posted a graphic on his FB page yesterday that said, “After your failed moments today, were you grateful for the opportunity to understand how to do it better tomorrow?” Thirdly, I saw this on a sign today, “One day you’ll tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you’re going through now, and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide.” And lastly, I taught on James 1:1-12 last week in Bible class, and one of the lessons from that passage is that we are given opportunity to grow and mature from trials and troubles, and in that respect, we should learn to appreciate them.
Something else that I’ve been reminded of yet again is that we are part of God’s wonderful family. We may have issues we want to remain private, and at times that’s necessary. But don’t ever let us forget that we don’t have to go it alone, and likely someone in the family has been where we are now, before. Let’s not only ask for help from others when we face trials, but share the knowledge and experiences we ourselves have gained from our own hardships. In this way, we serve each other as brothers and sisters in the family of God, lighten each other's load, and quite possibly aid in the saving of one's soul.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” ..... “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
(James 1:2-3, 12 NLT)
