Facing Adversity Over and Over:

Did you hear about the teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put his boots on? He asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, the boots still didn’t want to go on. By the time the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the little boy said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.” She looked and, sure enough, they were.

It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on – this time on the right feet. He then announced, “These aren’t my boots.” She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, “Why didn’t you say so?”, like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off. He then said, “They’re my brother’s boots. My mother made me wear them.”

She didn’t know whether she should laugh or cry. She mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots on his feet again. She said, “Now, where are your mittens?” He said, “I stuffed them in the toes of my boots . . . “

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN FRUSTRATED ? ? ? With others – with sickness – with finances (Can’t get ahead for bills) – with setbacks – with schoolwork – on a job – hunting – fishing – golfing – Even with life itself? Maybe you were hoping to get bills cleared up only to be hit with more unexpected bills. Maybe it’s harsh criticism you’re dealing with – a situation at work that’s making it difficult to maintain your Christian standards. Perhaps you are dealing with the struggles of a rebellious child or having your intentions being misunderstood.

IT’S TIME TO RENEW YOUR STRENGTH ! ! !

"29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 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: 29-31