The Aussie Osborns: Trials Help Us

I recently bought this book "Written on our Hearts: Invitations from the Old Testament" By Emily Freeman and I highly recommend for you to all go and buy it. Because it is such a wonderful thing to read! Short stories about all that's written within the Old Testament and linking these powerful messages to our modern day. Sometimes reading scripture can be a bit confusing and heard to understand, but this book really goes through some important part sin "plain" language. It has really helped me see more clearly the things I can learn and how to apply these lessons to my life. I wish I could share the whole book with you, but that would be copyright and then you wouldn't go and buy it for yourself!

One story that really rang true to my heart is found on page 16 and relates to chapter 50 in Genesis. It speaks of how trials are there to help us, not harm or stop us. Wait, what? Trials actually help us? This may sound silly, but I had never really looked at it in that light before. I get so wrapped up in my own issues, some small, some big that I find it really hard to see how my trials could be helping me.

This line really captures the message so beautifully; "In the end, isn't the place where I ended up after all those trails the exact place God needed me to be?". When the Lord gives us trails, he is not only testing our faith and endurance, he is also shaping the way in which he wants us to head. I guess that's why so many people say "Life just threw me a curve ball". Yep it (or he) did and you need that curve ball. It may not be what you wanted, but it will help you get to where you need to be.

We need to make sure we are asking the right questions, rather then "why?" which may not give the answer you seek. But asking; "Am I in the place of God?". We can always trust that God can turn our trials into good.

After reading this, it had a profound affect on the way I looked back on past trials and how I am coping with our current ones.

- Short on money? How grateful I will appreciate having money once we are both working.

- Illness? How blessed I am to have great health most days.

- Family issues? How grateful I am to have a family.

- The only one of my faith in my family? How blessed I am to have faith and to be an example to them.

Don't get me wrong there are days that get me down and all I want to do is curl up in a ball and not think about my trails, let alone be grateful for them. But I am human and we all have down days, how I choose to respond and work through my trials is what matters most.

Another great part about this book is with each story there is a question posted for reflection which sums up the story and so you can really get the most out of each lesson.