Topic:  CONSIDER IT A SEMINAR – By Dr. Jeff Schreve  – From His Heart 15 March    2023 

CONSIDER IT A SEMINAR

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” — James 1:2-3

Have you ever been to a really good seminar? One that not only encouraged you but also provided you with hints and helps that you could implement to make your life and work better? Seminars are worth every penny if there is an “aha” moment, a moment of true enlightenment that really ends up making a lasting difference.

I remember a doctoral seminar I went to years ago. To be honest, it had many more “ugh” moments than “aha” moments. In one afternoon session, the instructor actually fell asleep in class. Yikes! But one thing was said in that week of class that made a difference in my life and ministry. The professor talked to the class—mostly pastors—about being especially attentive to the children in the church. “Parents notice how you treat their children,” he said. “Focus on their children, and you will win the hearts of the parents.” That was an “aha” moment for me, and I have consciously sought to engage the children every time I talk to a family.

IN TOUGH TIMES

Tough times are never fun times. None of us like to go through trials. Yet, the Bible tells us we should consider them all joy. Huh? Why does God tell us to do that? The reason is simple: trials are a seminar to teach us valuable lessons. Trials are an opportunity for an “aha” moment from the Lord.

As much as we do not like to admit it, we learn better in adversity. Prosperity tends to breed pride and independence, but adversity brings us to our knees and causes us to seek God with more fervency and earnestness. God can get through to us much easier in the storm than He can in the calm. It’s just the way we are wired.

BUT I AM PERISHING!

In Mark 4, the disciples are in a boat with Jesus. The Lord is sleeping, and they are rowing across the Sea of Galilee. All of the sudden, a violent storm attacks them. They are certain they are going down. They wake Jesus and accuse Him of not caring that they are perishing (ever done that … accuse Jesus of not caring for you in your terrible storm?). Jesus takes His stand at the front of the boat, rebukes the wind, and brings a perfect calm to the perfect storm. The disciples are awestruck and ask, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” (Mark 4:41).

What an “aha” moment for those guys! What an incredible seminar! “Aha” … He is able. “Aha” … nothing is too difficult for Him. “Aha” … He really does care for me. “Aha” … I can trust Him!

WHAT DOES HE WANT YOU TO LEARN?

I do not know what trials you are going through today, but I do know that God has some valuable lessons to teach you through them. There are some “aha” nuggets from heaven that He is just waiting for you to receive.

Why not thank Him right now for the storm you face? Why not see it from His perspective. This situation is necessary to help you grow stronger, to help you see Him in a brighter light. It is a seminar the Lord has signed you up for, not because He hates you, but because He loves you … and wants to grow you … so He can use you in an even greater way to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.

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