Focus on God

Life really seems to get tough sometimes as one trial after another hits. How we respond to those trials is up to us! We see in James 1:3 that God allows trials in our lives for a reason and a purpose. In Matthew 14:28-33 we see how Peter was able to walk on water until he took his focus off of Christ, then he began to sink.


My friend, it is up to us as to whether we sink in our trials or prevail. I heard this story that I would like to share with you:

Take a carrot, an egg and some ground coffee beans and place them each in separate pots of boiling water for twenty minutes. Now, observe each of the objects. Each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior; but, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, after they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

Think about this, when adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Are you the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do you wilt and become soft and lose your strength?

Are you the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did you have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have you become hardened and stiff? Does your shell look the same, but on the inside are you bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?

Trust God as you face the trials in your life and find a peace within your soul. Keep your focus on God and Not the circumstances around you! Don't allow your trials to make you weak, bitter, and hard hearted. Press forward knowing God has a greater plan for your life.