The Apostle Paul had a good deal to say about the value and goal of having contentment. This article helps to understand this way of life from a biblical standpoint. From RickThomas.net……………
https://rickthomas.net/contentment-comes-from-the-blessing-of-disappointment/
As disciples (literally students) of Jesus, our goal is to learn to be like him. We begin by trusting him to receive us as we are. But our confidence in him leads us toward the same kind of faith he had, a faith that made it possible for him to act as he did. Jesus’s faith was expressed in his gospel of heaven’s rule, the good news of the “kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 4:17). Heaven is a deeply significant word. From Abraham (Genesis 24:7) onward, it signified to the people of Israel the direct availability of God to his children, as well as his supremacy over all that affects us. From heaven, “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15; also 1 Peter 3:12).
Jesus was concerned to pass on to his followers this reality of heaven’s rule that undergirded his life. When he sent his twelve friends out on their first mission, he told them it was like sending “sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16). It would be butterflies against machine guns. Nevertheless—imagine sheep being told this!—there was no need for them to fear. Two sparrows cost a penny. Yet not one falls upon the earth “apart from your Father.” Heaven is so close that even the hairs on our heads are numbered. “So do not be afraid,” Jesus tells us. “You are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29–31).
From The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’s Essential Teachings on Discipleship. Copyright © 2006 by Dallas Willard. All rights reserved. Used with permission of HarperCollins Publishers.
Another article from Ann Spangler, as she looks at the scriptural meanings behind one of the most important names for God, El Shadday. God Almighty.
El Shadday — God Almighty
I like the analogy employed in this article for how God’s actions in our lives seem to happen too slowly. And here is another one….we don’t much like rain or snow in the short term, but we would be in a world of hurt without the rain and snow! An insightful article from Credo House………….
This is a beautifully written article! Remember: thunder may be powerful and scary, but God made the thunder, and He holds us in His strong and loving hand! From VandaliaRiver.com………………
This is another great word from author Randy Alcorn! While this passage might get misused at times, the truth behind it is always true when it comes to believers and the care of our God. From Eternal Perspectives Ministries……………
Here is a nice devotional from pastor and author Mark Batterson on the value of pain……………
Having a prodigal child must be one of the very hardest things to struggle with as Christian parents. Here is an insightful and encouraging article from a mom who has experienced this, from Randy Alcorn and Eternal Perspectives Ministries……………….
This article makes the point that God brings struggle in our lives to cause us to give up oue won plans for our lives and to submit to His plans for us. From Bible teacher Wayne Stiles…………..
Actually, there are probably more than just 10 reasons, but these are a good place to start! From Beautiful Christian Life……………..
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