Tribulations Can Make Us Stronger
Linda Weaver Clarke
August 24, 2007
Tribulation is part of life. No one can avoid it. Just as life begins to hand us something wonderful, then something inevitably pulls us down. Sometimes we have physical or mental stress put upon us at the most inconvenient time of our lives. We just want life to go smoothly, as it was before, with no conflict whatsoever. If there was a way out, then we would take it.
Dr. J. R. Miller, a Christian author and pastor wrote: "Is not victoriousness in conflict better than being freed from the struggle?"
There are two types of conflicts: the internal conflict and the external conflict. Internal conflict comes from within us such as poor self-esteem. If we work on our weaknesses, they can become our strengths. When we blame our problems on our upbringing, we´re failing to take our own actions into accountability. Even though our backgrounds may be frustrating, we can rise above those circumstances and change our lives. We must grow from our afflictions and never allow them to pull us down.
"Be warned that some of the greatest battles you will face will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul." (Ezra Taft Benson, Secretary of Agriculture and Religious Leader)
External conflict comes from the outside such as physical ailments, struggling with finances, or the torrents of nature. No matter what the conflict, the secret of a happier life is to never give up. Marion G. Romney said, "If we bear our afflictions with understanding, faith and courage…we shall be strengthened and comforted in many ways. I have seen people rise to great heights from what seemed to be unbearable burdens."
I once had a taste of both conflicts, beginning at the age of thirteen and lasting for three years. It was discovered that I had scoliosis of the spine. During this time, I had a series of back operations, body casts and braces. My teenage years were not a normal one. I was bedridden for several weeks at a time and had to miss school. I also missed out on many experiences such as camp-outs, baseball, and slumber parties. I tended to be shy and quiet as a teenager. I also had a strong belief in God. Because I was different from others, I had very few friends and was picked on from time to time. I was young and didn´t understand why I couldn´t live a normal life.
I grew from this experience. I changed for the better. I look back at this conflict, both internal and external, and I wouldn´t change a thing. I´m a different person and I´m stronger. I overcame my weaknesses and turned to God as a young teenager. Many times these trials can turn us in the right direction.
Dr. J. R. Miller wrote: "God many times answers our prayers not by bringing down his will to ours, but by lifting us up to himself. We grow strong, so as we need no longer cry for relief. We can bear the heavy load without asking to have it lightened. We can keep the sorrow now and endure it. We can go on in quiet peace without the new blessing which we thought necessary. We have not been saved from the battle we shrank so from entering but we have sought and have gained the victory. Is not victoriousness in conflict better than being freed from the struggle? Is not peace in the midst of the storm and the strife better than to be lifted altogether over the strife?"
May we all learn from our tribulations and grow from them. Our greatest struggles can become our greatest accomplishments.
Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the historical/fiction/romance series: "A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho." To learn more, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.
Dr. J. R. Miller, a Christian author and pastor wrote: "Is not victoriousness in conflict better than being freed from the struggle?"
There are two types of conflicts: the internal conflict and the external conflict. Internal conflict comes from within us such as poor self-esteem. If we work on our weaknesses, they can become our strengths. When we blame our problems on our upbringing, we´re failing to take our own actions into accountability. Even though our backgrounds may be frustrating, we can rise above those circumstances and change our lives. We must grow from our afflictions and never allow them to pull us down.
"Be warned that some of the greatest battles you will face will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul." (Ezra Taft Benson, Secretary of Agriculture and Religious Leader)
External conflict comes from the outside such as physical ailments, struggling with finances, or the torrents of nature. No matter what the conflict, the secret of a happier life is to never give up. Marion G. Romney said, "If we bear our afflictions with understanding, faith and courage…we shall be strengthened and comforted in many ways. I have seen people rise to great heights from what seemed to be unbearable burdens."
I once had a taste of both conflicts, beginning at the age of thirteen and lasting for three years. It was discovered that I had scoliosis of the spine. During this time, I had a series of back operations, body casts and braces. My teenage years were not a normal one. I was bedridden for several weeks at a time and had to miss school. I also missed out on many experiences such as camp-outs, baseball, and slumber parties. I tended to be shy and quiet as a teenager. I also had a strong belief in God. Because I was different from others, I had very few friends and was picked on from time to time. I was young and didn´t understand why I couldn´t live a normal life.
I grew from this experience. I changed for the better. I look back at this conflict, both internal and external, and I wouldn´t change a thing. I´m a different person and I´m stronger. I overcame my weaknesses and turned to God as a young teenager. Many times these trials can turn us in the right direction.
Dr. J. R. Miller wrote: "God many times answers our prayers not by bringing down his will to ours, but by lifting us up to himself. We grow strong, so as we need no longer cry for relief. We can bear the heavy load without asking to have it lightened. We can keep the sorrow now and endure it. We can go on in quiet peace without the new blessing which we thought necessary. We have not been saved from the battle we shrank so from entering but we have sought and have gained the victory. Is not victoriousness in conflict better than being freed from the struggle? Is not peace in the midst of the storm and the strife better than to be lifted altogether over the strife?"
May we all learn from our tribulations and grow from them. Our greatest struggles can become our greatest accomplishments.
Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the historical/fiction/romance series: "A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho." To learn more, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.
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