“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
I love this principle that came from Ray Dalio. He’s not a religious guy, he’s a famous businessman, but he wrote a terrific book called Principles. He said: Suffering plus reflection equals growth. And I want to be the kind of person that refuses to allow my suffering to break me. If I am pressed, I will not be destroyed. If I am perplexed, I will not fall into despair. If I’m persecuted, I will not be abandoned. And if I’m struck down, I will not be destroyed. And neither will you. That is not who you are. God will carry you through. Amen? So keep your thoughts on the hope of the covenant of God. |
Prayer
Thank you Father, for giving hope. For the promise that I will not be destroyed or abandoned. Help me to endure, and surround me with your love and comfort.
Reflection
Do you feel that suffering plus reflection made you grow in the past?
6 Responses
I asked God to help me help my son who is in deep emotional suffering. Today’s reflection did exactly that. Now my hope for my son is restored. Now I see that my supportive role is God’s gift to me so that I can love him without falling into despair myself.
Thank you Father for supporting me while you are surrounding my son with your love and comfort as you lead him out of this dark experience and make him into a “light for many” as you promised me you would when he was a youth.
Suffering plus reflection equals growth. Glory to my Heavenly Father and thank you Jesus for sending me the right message at the right moment. I needed to read this. I am on a healing journey of recovery for damaged lungs since recent surgeries have corrected the cause of the damage and made it possible for lung rejuvenation. I appreciate the encouragement this morning and I am praying that my daughter who is suffering from long ago trauma would grow and heal too.
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Trying to fix it
Good morning: It was so nice to see a family picture today. I miss Dr. Schuller. He always looked so happy, and it made me smile.
I’m sorry that I haven’t been to your new church, but I watch you every week, and I love your enthusiasm. You have a very nice family.
Keep up the good work!
Ellen Hepfer
Thank you, Ellen!
Please stop by if you’re ever in Orange County! We would love to meet you.
After second divorce… I have had great pain, greater reflection and I have found hope and faith in what I know is true. I am stronger than I have allowed myself to believe. And God has placed people in my life to better me for something I am open to… More grateful than ever.