A Difficult School

          World War II was coming to a close when I was born into the family of a Pentecostal preacher.  My dad moved to a different city almost every three to four years to pastor another struggling church.  For me that meant, not only was I always the new kid in school, but I was introduced as the Pentecostal preacher’s kid.  It was always a challenge to make new friends and a dread to dodge the bullies just as it was equally difficult to be labeled by the kids as the Holy Roller Guy.  I always wondered, “why me?  Why can’t my dad be a normal 9 to 5 man?” 
          What I didn’t know was, God had a plan in motion that required all this unwanted anxiety and taunting.  He was preparing me to have a fearless personality along with the ability to handle a myriad of stressful situations.  God was preparing me to be an encourager with experience. 
          Now that I have matured and grown spiritually I have discovered that many people are experiencing stress, anxiety, and rejection.  And I am so glad that I was raised a Pentecostal boy that was taunted for being one.  It made me tough.  In fact, I’m thrilled to the bone that I was a holy roller, because my kind is almost extinct.  You might say that I am a rare breed.  But I am qualified to feel what many are going through.  And because I understand rejection, I have the ability to encourage others to be an overcomer and to keep their focus. 
          My upbringing served for a great purpose.  Yes, the schooling was tough but the payoff has been priceless.  I must mention the strict discipline that I received from my parents has served me well, too.  Undoubtedly, my parents loved me mucho! What I know is: “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).  
          So, nothing just happens by chance. Everything has a purpose for good results.  Our experiences happen for a cause, but most people do not understand this fact.  They think that bad experiences happen out of God’s hate for them or that He just doesn’t care about them.  Too many people have never learned that the harder the trials of life the greater the victories. 
          It is fact that people will pay top dollar to go to the most challenging schools in the nation because they know that the outcome is going to pay them with big dividends.  Now, why is it that many cannot see what God is doing in their lives and that He is developing a strong character?  It is true.  God wants to make us the best there is.  It takes education, experience, and endurance. 
          Now that I can see the picture clearly I have the ability to discern what God is doing in others.  I tell people that God is setting them up for a great blessing which is the reason for their trial.  So don’t run away, cower down, or get a bad attitude.  Stand strong and put your face to the wind, because something great is coming your way.  Accept each trouble as a stepping stone to the next level.  Victory is yours if you’ll stay positive!  You can get more information by visiting us online at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com.  We'll see you there.