There once was a bunch of tiny frogs, who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.
A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants.
The race began…
Honestly, no-one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower.
The observers shouted out statements such as:
"Oh, WAY too difficult!!” or
“They will NEVER make it to the top”
"Not a chance that they will succeed. “
“The tower is too high!”
“It’s impossible!
Sure enough the tiny frogs began collapsing, one by one—except for those, who in a fresh tempo and spurt of energy were climbing higher and higher.
The crowd continued to yell: "It is too difficult!!! No one will ever make it!”
More tiny frogs got tired and gave up. Most believed that the crowd was probably right…it was impossible.
But, ONE little frog continued higher and higher and higher. This one refused to give up!
At the end of the race, all of the frogs had given up climbing the tower, except for this one tiny frog! After a big effort, it was the only one that reached the top!
Of course, all of the other tiny frogs wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it. They asked the tiny frog how it had succeeded and found the strength to reach the goal.
The tiny frog explained with gestures and a smile that he was deaf! He thought the crowd had been encouraging him the entire time!
- A Fable—a short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral.
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Words expressed and opinions given can have a big effect on other people’s lives.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 ESV
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Struggles in life are inevitable, but destruction is optional. Each life has seasons of illness, financial issues, marriage stress, loss of loved ones and other ongoing events.
In the grand scheme of things, a stressful morning doesn’t impact life or eternity all that much, but in those longer seasons of joblessness, sickness, financial stress, marriage strain and other ongoing life events, the stress and frustration can seem overwhelming.
Here are four ways to deal with things when challenging seasons of life come your way:
1. REMEMBER THAT YOUR CHARACTER SHOULD ALWAYS BE STRONGER THAN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
2. REMEMBER THAT YOUR STRUGGLES ALWAYS LEAD TO STRENGTH.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
3. REMEMBER THAT GOD’S TIMING IS ALWAYS PERFECT.
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
4. REMEMBER THAT GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE YOUR SIDE.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6