Every Storm Is a School Every Trial a Teacher: In September 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated schools, scattered students, and set school plans adrift across the Gulf Coast. Few knew this better than a teacher at the Harrison Central Ninth Grade School in Gulfport.
Discrete trials are defined and scripted in such a way that the teacher knows exactly what they need to do in order to get the correct response. This allows a behavior analyst to see what is working and why.
Count it a Joy
In James 1:2-4 he instructs us to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet various trials of many kinds. For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And steadfastness has its result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Many misunderstand the verse to mean that you should pretend you’re happy through your suffering or put on a smile when you really aren’t. But this is not what James is saying. He means we must find true joy in the midst of suffering by choosing to rejoice in Jesus and believe that God will repurpose our pain for His good purposes. It’s not easy to do, but it is possible! He will help you do it. He is faithful.
Be thankful
Practicing thankfulness can help you focus on the good things in your life. Rather than complaining about your day, try thinking of something to be thankful for instead – a great co-worker, a delicious lunch, a warm bed. When you focus on the positive, it can shift your perspective and make a difficult situation a little easier to manage.
Remember that millions of people around the world are not as fortunate as you are. Be grateful every time you drink a glass of clean water; many people don’t have that luxury.
Teri McKeever, head coach of the University of California Berkeley women’s swimming team, has incorporated gratitude exercises into her practices and it has helped her teams to be more productive and happier. Research is beginning to understand the impact of gratitude on the brain. It helps to have a healthy amount of sleep; this will improve your mood and help you be more thankful.
Keep your eyes on Jesus
As believers, keeping our eyes on Jesus is a daily decision. It involves centering your life around Christ and seeking God’s presence through prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship, and obedience to His Word. The enemy will stop at nothing to keep you from meditating on the Word, and he will bring chaos, confusion and distraction into your life in hopes of drying up the seed you have been sowing. Keeping your eyes on Jesus is the only way to endure the storms of this life and bear much fruit afterward. It is what our Mom Mentors call “keeping your eyes on the prize.” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV) It is the goal of every believer. It is what God desires for you. And it is what He will reward you with when your faith is fully developed. It is the only way to heaven!
Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, the One who suffered for you and has entered into glory, for He is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. He will never fail you or forsake you.
