My question is: Do you think this is a valuable statement, I am so torn by all of this. I am brave on the outside but crumbling on the inside. I don't feel at peace with this statement and I need Peace.

I am further reminded of the scripture in Job, which outlines the great test that Job was put to see if he would be faithful to God. As we read through the entire book of Job we read about countless people who approach Job and challenge him concerning his faith since all the terrible things where happening to him and his family. As you see from your reading of that short book, Job's testimony never wavered. His testimony remained strong, and all of that in the face of the most excruciating trials.

So, is it easy for us? No, and it wasn't easy for Job. It is very difficult to go through trials and try and keep a positive attitude towards things including our relationship to God. But as the scriptures have made clear, God tests the faith and patience of his people in order to perfect them. By going through these trials, you can become stronger. The peace which you seek will become yours. One of the best quotations I ever read regarding your situation goes like this:

"No pain that we suffer, No trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure especially when we endure it patiently builds up our character, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable and more worthy to be called the children of God. And it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulations that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father in Heaven."

Here's another thought I'll share with you on this matter whose author is unknown:

"For every hill I have tried to climb, for every stone that bruised my feet,
for all the blood, sweat and grime, for blinding storms and burning heat.
My heart sings but a grateful song these are the things that made me strong.
For all the heartache and the tears,
for all the anguish and the pain,
for all the gloomy days and fruitless years and for the hopes that lived in vain.
I do give thanks for now I know these were the things that helped me grow."

Finally, I read this someplace along the way.

"I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for help that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy, I was given poverty that I might be wise, I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need for God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for, but everything that I had hoped for. "

Now those are all lovely verses which tend to give one comfort. The fact is that you are hurting and that you have great concerns and you want peace. That peace is found in living a totally Christ centered life, and overcoming all of your weakness and transgressions. Your Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ know you perfectly well. They've known you for eons of time. They love you. They are eager and anxious to bless you. If I were you I would go to God humbly on your knees each night before you retired, and again in the morning before you started the day and beg Him to help you know his will concerning the reason for these trials and ask Him to bless you with the peace that you seek. Ask Him to bless you with the strength to endure the trials which you have been called upon to bare. If you will do this with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, He will bless you with the peace that you seek. I have no doubt of that.

I am wondering if it would be good for me to ask a couple of our church representatives to call on you. To explain what we believe and why. You will find in their message better answers than I am able to give in this brief e-mail. Once you have had an opportunity to hear and understand all that we believe you will be able to determine for yourself whether it would be worth pursuing. If you would like me to send them, I would be happy to do so. Email me back with your address and I would be more than happy to do this.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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