Double For Your Trouble

By: Nancy Abiera

 

“Trouble is a great opportunity to win double. Past disappointments can be His (God) future appointments. Mess today can lead to a great Mess-age of solution for tomorrow. Miseries can become miracles.” Nancy H. Abiera

“Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.” Robert H. Schuller

“Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.” Ronald Reagan ”

The Bible is our GPS (God’s Perfect Solution) as we journey on this earthly life.” Nancy H. Abiera ************

I got an urgent call a few weeks ago from a 19-year- old single woman. Her voice sounded troubled with distress. After exchanging hi’s and hello’s, the direction changed.

Immediately, she confessed: “I am two months pregnant. My boyfriend is 17 years old, jobless and lives with his mom who raised him with other brothers and sisters. I am so stressed-out at work. My mom who recently divorced my dad is now dating a guy I hated. My dad is heartbroken and confused with life.” I continued listening to her while praying for God to give me encouraging words. After she shared her heartaches, I counseled, prayed and ended the conversation.

This situation is not an isolated one. According to the information in www.childtrends.org, about 40% represents teenage pregnancy outof- wedlock, mostly ages 14-19. It is no surprise that these cases usually result in breakdown in family and other difficulties/problems like abortion, single parenting and/or neglect of children.

I met many people in counseling/coaching who were part of the 40% statistics yet some have managed to overcome the situation. Instead of whining and wasting their time in pity-miserable-parties, they became winners and hosted powerful-miracle-parties. The former are self-destructive while the latter is creative.

The following is a summary of some of the things they (the winners) shared which greatly helped them.

1. Personal relationship with God through Jesus became their priority. Some were first timers in making the commitments while others re-dedicated themselves to the Lord.

2. They followed Godly principles and living Christ-like character moment by moment.

3. They have strong support from immediate/extended family (relatives, friends and church).

4. They seek prayer support and Godly counsel for accountability.

5. They learned from past mistakes by converting them to lessons shared to others.

6. They practiced regularly forgiving others who caused them hurt (especially the father or mother of the child who caused abandonment) or others.

7. They forgave themselves.

8. They did not let the circumstances rule their future destiny.

9. They guarded their hearts from becoming hardened caused by bitterness and resentment towards life and other people.

10. They stopped the blaming-game and instead took the responsibility game.

11. They chose being creative rather than destructive.

12. They confronted themselves with courage and made necessary changes for the better.

13. They focused on the present; learned from the past and got excited for their future.

“For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Always choose “On A Bright Side”!

I love you readers with the love of the Lord yet God loves you the most. Smile and be a blessing!