Subject: The slow fires of misery |
Bible Note: "Abraham Lincoln's marriage was a mess, and accepting the pain brought deep strength in the long run......It was a pain-filled marriage. The familiar lines in his face adn the somber counteance reveal more than the stress of civil war. But the two stayed married. They kept at least that part of their vows. They embraced the pain, even if the could not (or would not) remove it. What was the gain? God will give the final answer, but here are tow historical assessments. (1) How was it that Lincoln, when president, could work so effectively with the rampant egos who filled his administration? 'The long years of dealing with his tempestuous wife helped prepare Lincoln for handling the difficult people he encountered as president.' In other words, a whole nation beneifted from his embracing the pain. "2) 'Over the slow fires of misery that he learned to keep banked and under heavy pressure deep witin him, his innate qualities of patience, tolerance, forbearance, and FORGIVENESS were tempered and refined.' ..... there were resources for healing he did not know, and short of healing, EMBRACING THE FIRE IS BETTER THAN ESCAPE. Increasingly, contemporary culture assumes the opposite. Painfree relationships are assumed as a right. But God promises his people something better. 'Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love hiim' (James 1:12, RSV)" John Piper in his "A Godword Life" |
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justme | ||
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tashina | ||
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afriend | ||
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Searcher56 | ||
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jalanlambert | ||
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davids daughter | ||
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tyree | ||
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mae68 | ||
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ceebee7 | ||
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azurelaw |