What does God teach you when you're down?

personal/ministry resource from the Collingsworths

What does God teach you when you're down?

I do not know if God teaches you things when you are down, but I have
learned (and am continuing to learn) lessons that would've never been
mine had it not been for this pause in my life.

Take nothing for granted.
Little did I know a road trip would send me to the hospital - three
times, over a seven-week period, with a life-threatening condition.
When was the last time you looked at your situation and wondered, "Do
I cherish the moments that I have?" James often reminds us about what
life is: "You don't even know what tomorrow will bring—what your life
will be! For you are a bit of smoke that appears for a little while,
then vanishes." (James 4:14, HCSB).

Enjoy things about your spouse, and your children, that you are taking
for granted today. Nothing can take the place of time spent looking at
the good things that are yours. Not everything is bad in any marriage.
Look for the good spots and relish in them.

Your life experiences count.
Many times as we navigate the roads of life we look around at all the
great people we know who are making a difference. I was amazed as I
viewed a recent "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" television show about
a 26-year-old mother who had cancer. She was making such a difference
as she bravely fought for her life. She was such an inspiration to so
many.

Trying times tend to make us bitter or they make us better. We can
choose to rise above, see the good, and know in our heart that those
times make us stronger. They also allow us to learn things so we are
able to help those around us.

God needs you to learn what you need to know to touch another life.
Think about Jonathan and David and the vast wisdom they shared with
one another. There are many stories in the Bible that give us a
glimpse of lives filled with desperation, until God sends someone
along to help them. Who are you supposed to be helping? Or are you
praying for someone to help you through a difficult time in life?

Tune into His leading.
You can be used in a great way. Have you ever been prompted to make a
call, go see someone, send a card or letter and failed to do it? I
believe the Holy Spirit is continually pressing us to do things to
make a difference in someone's life. We have the joy of the Lord in
our hearts to share and God has blessed us with gifts to give away. If
you do not do what He requires, just think of the incredible blessing
you will miss!

Maybe there's a couple walking in the same shoes you walked in 5 years
ago. Or maybe there's a young mom suffering from the same kind of
depression that gripped your heart when you were her age. You may know
of a couple struggling to maintain an "everything is fine" image, yet
you can see through the facade. Ask God to show you people to minister
to.

If you're going through a tough time and think, "Who is supposed to
help me?" Pray for that person or seek out someone to call. God's
voice works to call us out to minister, and sometimes it prompts us to
ask for encouragement.

Today, I pray you will minister to someone. Or, that you will pray and
seek out the person who is supposed to minister to you! Remember, we
have no idea when we will be called home, so do those things you have
put off, say a nice word, or write a note of encouragement!

J.B. and Shugie



The Collingsworths coach church leaders on strategies to divorce proof
their congregations, and help couples build strong marriages. They
lead seminars in churches across the U.S. to make a difference in
marriages! If you are interested in booking JB & Shugie in your
church, please email beth@marriageandfamilymatters