Life can be tough at times, and it is during these periods of hardship that we may wonder to ourselves, “Why is this happening to me?”  “Why am I suffering with this obstacle?” “How can I get out of this negative situation?”

The struggles in our life aren’t always pretty, but many times they can help us to develop our strength of character, mind, and lifestyle. Without struggles, we will never grow and get stronger; so, it’s important for us look at the undesirable situations that come our way and learn how to tackle challenges on our own, with the help and guidance from our Lord.

The following story is a great example of this mind-thought…

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Once upon a time, a man discovered a butterfly that was starting to hatch from its cocoon. Curious, he sat down and decided to watch the butterfly emerge. Over the next few hours, he watched it as it struggled and struggled to force itself through a tiny hole. Then, it suddenly stopped making progress and looked like it was stuck.

After a short time, the man decided to help the butterfly escape from its captivity. He took a pair of scissors and cut off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged slowly and easily, even though it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man thought nothing of it as he sat there waiting for the wings to enlarge and support the butterfly. However, that never happened.

The butterfly spent the rest of its life unable to fly, crawling around with small wings and a swollen body.

Despite the man’s kind heart, he didn’t understand that the restricting cocoon and the struggle needed by the butterfly to get itself through the small hole were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings to prepare itself for flying once it was free from the cocoon.

- Author Unknown

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We need to understand and remember that the problems that we sometimes face happen for our good.

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 NIV

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  Romans 5:3-5 NIV

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT

The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9-10 NASB

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If you have a story that you think might bless others, I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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