sufficiency

Present Through Suffering

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance…” – Romans 5:3 We talked yesterday about the importance of not asking too many questions during the winter seasons of our lives. Today, I want to provide another tip that can aid us in navigating the difficult times we are in: be present in your suffering. I’ve previously told the story of a boy and a silver ball on a string, and it perfectly illustrates the argument I want to make today. It’s a Russian tale about a school-aged child who meets a fairy while roaming through the woods. She gives him a present during the encounter, which appears to be a simple silver ball on a piece of string but is actually a magic wand that allows him to pull the string and fast forward past difficult aspects of his life. While

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Safe and Strong

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 It is our responsibility as leaders in whatever capacity to keep people safe while also assisting them in becoming stronger. This is particularly true when it comes to parenting and grandparenting. There is a built-in tension in today’s environment between protection and the suffering that leads to growth. It’s easy to keep our children from trying the things they need to in order to develop character strength in the name of protecting them. For example, perhaps your child wishes to participate in a sport or activity that involves some physical danger. As the person in charge of their physical safety as well as their general development, it’s critical that you assess the pros and cons

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Righteousness or Ruins?

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” – Psalm 19:7 Herod was crowned “King of the Jews” by the Roman senate, and because he embodied the ancient spirit of achievement and conquest (though not actually Jewish), he set out to make Israel a reflection of his own glory. Despite being neurotic and paranoid, He built stunning and expensive structures and settlements, including the Caesarea Maritima, which was a city on the coast that displayed the best of culture, engineering, and architecture. And although this majestic place seemed indestructible in its day, it now stands in ruins. He also built the palace and fortress of Masada, which was considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Middle East. Yet today, it too, has been reduced to wreckage. And while both of these landmarks were incredible, perhaps

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