How we balk at the stones in our lives.  There are stones of  rocky marriages, a wayward child, work relationships, financial problems or a long period of sickness.  There's no pleasure in the bad things that come into our lives. We have options when life does not go our way.We canbecome bitter, making life for those close to us unbearable at times. When we don't deal with this bitterness, it takes root and goes to the core of who we are.  In the Christian Bible, we read, *See to it that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble.  When we allow bitterness to take root, we not only have our original problem, but our outlook on life changes drastically.

When life gets the best of us,  it helps if we can understand all things are allowed for a purpose, the key word being allowed.  God is not the author of confusion, distress and grief, although many times He is given the blame. It's wise to remember we have an enemy who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Lions attack the weak, and those not alert.  When we are focused on the stones ,we are easy prey for bitterness, depression and self pity, weapons  used against us to destroy  our hope. We forget that the very problems we've been handed  may be stepping stones to get us to a higher  level.

There are those who believe the Christian life is too restrictive, that the fun things are off limits.  But compare worldly entertainment to having a place to unload troubles in exchange for peace of mind.  Compare it to having a God who can help us understand that stones are made for walking toward Him for strength.

It is not natural to stay optimistic and hopeful when life takes a turn for the worse, but it is possible.  Our troubles can help us become a stronger person.  They can teach us to look for new coping mechanisms in a stressed filled world. Best of all, they can be the little voice that tells us to look beyond our life toward others that have troubles just as we do. People everywhere are silently crying for help and hope.  Those without the knowledge of a  /> Heavenly Father have no where to turn.  If we don't point  the way, who will?

*Hebrews 12:15

"Look up and not down; look forward and not back; look out and not in; and lend a hand." Edward Hale

"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10

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