There is a lesson I learned many years ago which has helped me over many difficult times. It is a simple lesson of gratitude.
When I was left with four small children to raise single-handedly, I had to muster together all my inner resources and recall the wisdom my parents had taught me.
I had to learn to think not about the things I didn't have, but to think about what I did have! I began to compare what I had, not with those who had more, but with others much less fortunate than myself. I had to come to the realization that although my home must be sold, all we required was a place to live, enough food, and adequate clothing. I was forced to put into practice the Christian value-system that worldly wealth is not the most important goal in life.
I was completely overwhelmed with the magnitude of the task before me. I knew that in my own strength, I could not do it. When I telephoned my minister one day to tearfully tell him I faced an impossible task, he answered wisely: "Of course you can't do it alone, but you don't have to! You will have Jesus to help you!"
Fourteen years later, I looked back on those years and came to the full knowledge that I, in truth, had not done it alone. I had four beautiful young people who had caused me no trouble. I had become a high school teacher and was now financially secure. I now owned another home much better than the one I had been forced to leave.
By keeping my eyes on Jesus and thanking Him for what I had, by being obedient to His laws which included giving money to my church and teaching Sunday School, I had come through the difficult tunnel of darkness and despair.
I write these things not to build my self-esteem. I wish only to explain that if we can control our thought life so that we don't complain, then leave our problems in the hands of Almighty God, no situation is too difficult for us. We go "from strength to strength" as the Bible tell us (Ps.84.7).
We all need to learn this lesson as difficult times come upon us. We must use our own will to do our very best, then leave our burden at the foot of the cross when we can no longer carry it. By praying about our problem, we will find other people offering help in many, many ways. We will find health. We will find financial blessings. Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt.6:33).
As the Israelites found themselves in a desert without food and water, their God provided manna on the ground each morning and water from a rock. The only time they ran into difficulty was when they became disobedient to God's laws and grumbled about their lot.
We need to look to Jesus in every circumstance. If we look to the magnitude of our problems, we will be crushed underneath them.
Let us be a grateful people as was the leper whom Jesus healed, not as the other nine who were healed and then disappeared. As we thank God for each meal we eat and thank Him for every material blessing, His hand of mercy will never fail.
"Be satisfied with what you have. For God has said 'I will never, never fail you or forsake you'" (Heb.13:5 LB).
Praise be to our Lord, the King of Heaven!
© 1999, Doreen Palmer