THE QUEST
Back when I was a kid lots of grocery items came with a prize in them. I can’t even count how many bowls and boxes of things I ate that I really didn’t care for . . . just to get a chintzy little plastic prize.
Those silly trinkets always seemed to settle to the bottom of the container. The excitement would grow as you munched your way down and finally caught a glimpse of something half buried in the bottom of the box. The anticipation was incredible. What would it be? Whatever it was, it would be cool, because it was FREE, and it was YOURS!
THE CHALLENGES
Of course, it wasn’t always that easy. If there was only one prize in a huge box of cereal and you had two sisters, a whole different kind of adventure was created.
On numerous occasions, I remember attempting to pour the entire contents of the box into a bowl that was way too small, just to get first dibs on that prize. Without exception it would overflow onto the table (and sometimes even the floor), and I’d have to frantically scoop it all back up and get it into the box before anyone caught me. Was that just me, or did you try that too?
In retrospect, it was a little disgusting but, at the time, it felt well worth the sticky fingers and subsequent days of eating “well worn” cereal to be the one that got the coveted prize.
THE BLESSINGS
As adults, there are still prizes to find and, just like in our childhood, they are usually found deep within a sticky mess that leaves a bad taste in our mouth.
Even the very darkest periods of our lives often leave behind a special gift that enhances our future. It’s seldom possible to see it when we’re in the midst of the pain and the turmoil . . . but in time we realize that our experiences have changed us and those changes are very, very good!
Interestingly enough, I’ve talked to a number of people just this week who excitedly shared some of the unexpected “prizes” that came out of their most challenging struggles.
• One was rejoicing that their marriage and communication with their spouse was better than it had been at any time in their 20 year marriage. It wasn’t that long ago that sexual addiction was threatening to destroy their relationship. Today it’s stronger than ever.
• Another talked about having a new sense of purpose since surviving one of the most difficult periods in her life. Think about all the good deeds and programs in our world, that were borne out of tragedy. Legislation has been changed, ministries and non-profits have been formed, and people have been helped in a multitude of ways, because someone experienced something so difficult that they felt called to help others that were going through the same thing.
• Several mentioned that, because of what they went through, their intimacy with God has grown beyond their wildest dreams. They hated every minute of their struggle, and yet, today they’re strangely grateful for it. They know they would never have had what they have today without it.
• Others mentioned feeling free-er, lighter or more comfortable in their own skin. Adversity changes us. As we seek God through it, we gain greater empathy and understanding of others and more acceptance of ourselves.
The Bible says that “in this world you will have trouble.” But, trouble doesn’t have to be the end. Finding the prize that’s hiding at the bottom of it all often leads to a great new beginning.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
TODAY’S CHAT: Have you received some unexpected blessings that came out of your greatest challenges? If you have, please encourage us all by sharing some of those special “prizes” that have come out of your struggles.
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