In hard times SHE had learned 3 things....

Image courtesy of Sis Abby Pamintuan

Let's check ourselves first before proceeding to the whole post.

Do we embrace trials and hardships?
Survivor or loser?
Optimistic or pessimistic?
Thankful or grumbler?

When I got this image from a dear sister in Christ, Abby there are lots of things that came into my head - flashbacks, vivid memories and "woeful" experiences.

I've been persuaded to write and provide a content to make the image more powerful!

Her name is Woman will now share what she had learned in hard times...

1. She was stronger than she ever imagined...
Oh to be strong - I always say that I am Darna - superwoman - the queen of multi-tasking. I believe that I am a strong lady who can withstand everything. I trust about the truth that God enables us to do great things if we'll just trust Him in spirit and in truth.

Keeping in my heart Philippians 4:13 (NIV) "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength".

The more we seek God in times of hardships the more we find him - the more we are being renewed. 
Fear not, do not be dismayed! God will strengthen and uphold us in His righteous hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

He makes us stronger every day! 
Like gold, we are just being refined by heating "hardships" until all impurities have burned off.

2. Jesus was closer than she ever realized...
 During sad and hard moments we often pray right?
 We ask for comfort and strength to go on.
When we are tested we were broken but Jesus is close to the broken-hearted.
Psalm 34:18 says that Jesus is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

I really felt the embrace and closeness of Jesus during those "not so good times"! 
He is a personal God - getting closer and closer to those who find Him!

No matter how big the universe is, God is bigger. His being fills up all infinity. He is omnipresent - everywhere present! ~ John MacArthur

3. She was loved more than she ever knew...
It feels, it feels so good to be loved so bad!

Hebrews 12:7
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"

We are sons/daughters of God.. we are being disciplined because He wants the best for us!
God is a loving father, here's an intimate message from God to you - Father's Love Letter

So I was loved - you are loved by God than we ever knew or imagined!

Let's embrace HARDSHIPS as we embrace BLESSINGS =)