"From Valleys to Victories: Navigating Life's Storms with Faith and Purpose"

In the midst of life's uncertainties, we find ourselves under a grinding-stone that either polishes us up or grinds us to powder, shaped by the character within. As an unknown sage wisely said,

Life is like a grinding-stone.

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We revel in the moments of connection, when everything seems to align, and life unfolds seamlessly. But what happens when the tide turns, and everything falls apart? It is in these challenging moments that we encounter the greatest opportunity for growth.

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Like the lush, green vegetation thriving in the valley rather than the mountain-top, our most fertile soil for growth often lies in life's valleys. These valleys, marked by trials and troubles, confront us with a choice between change and denial.

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John Maxwell reminds us,

We cannot begin to change the circumstances or individuals around us until we first change the person within.

Denial, resisting change and blaming unfair circumstances, leads to anger and a cry of "Why Me, Oh Lord?" On the contrary, change begins with the acknowledgment, "Why Not Me, Oh Lord?" It is a shift from asking why we are facing troubles to recognizing how they can shape us for the better.

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Trials, like an artist's chisel, can either make us bitter or better. The Apostle Paul urges us to welcome trials, for in them, we develop patience, experience, and ultimately, hope.

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Visualize the cover image as the disciples toil in a storm-tossed boat, trapped in the sea of life's challenges. Metaphorically, it could be any one of us, relying on our abilities that crumble against life's trials. Jesus, our HOPE, is the deciding factor that mitigates the impact of the storm.

Be still and know that I am God.

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When faced with trials, we have a choice: F.E.A.R. or FAITH. Fear, an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real, convinces us that our circumstances will overtake us. Faith, on the other hand, believes in the promise of a greater future, transcending the pain of the past. It seeks God's glory over personal comfort.

The promise of the future is greater than the pain of the past.

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Let me share four principles:

1. God is in control of external and internal circumstances, bringing about spiritual change.

2. God is trustworthy, using trials to break us and test our trust in His promises.

3. Obedience is crucial, as God values our availability over ability.

4. Obedience often involves "Go & Tell," leading others to a higher level through encouragement and service.

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In our brokenness, we find a platform for suffering, allowing us to GO, GIVE, and SERVE, uplifting others on our journey. Remember, leaders never cross the finish line alone; they seek to bring others along. Tragedy creates a platform for us to elevate others forward and upward.

I trust this article has been an inspiration and encouragement to YOU!

Robert J. Carroll Jr.

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