Sadness/Hurt Turned to Joy! 3-24-25

Last week was a week of multiple challenges, including disrespect; dealing with a company whose products were defective, and having a mammogram that I do not like to take, plus two ultrasounds.

At times this had me on edge, and I could have lost it, but thank the Lord for my Helper and Comforter, the Holy Spirit.

Challenge- There were some whose doctrinal differences could have caused a problem between a friend and me. There was a debate (that was the wrong thing to do). Many people who want to debate and challenge the Word haven’t even studied enough to understand the deep things of God. Yet they think they know.

Last week I was discussing with someone about Christians calling themselves sinners (this will come up again in this week’s challenge).

The person was adamant (convinced) that she was a sinner saved by grace. Finally, I said that conversation would not come up again and hugged her. Her relationship with me was more important than being contentious, which we are supposed to avoid (2 Timothy 2:23-25, Titus 3:9). I am going to continue to pray that her eyes will be open to the truth. That was a challenge.

The humble thing to do is to listen and check out for yourself for what is being said (Acts 17:11-12). Just because someone learned it one way, it does not mean that it is correct.

Another challenge: I almost agreed to do something contrary to my beliefs. It was pertaining to gambling, and when someone asked me why I don’t play the slot machines, this was my reply: “I will not mismanage God’s money” (everything belongs to Him-Psalm 24:1, Psalm 50:10-11). Wealth gained hastily will dwindle…. (Proverbs 13:11).

If I risk the money to get more money, I am not trusting God who supplies all my needs”….(Philippians 4:19). Who am I going to agree with? God, of course (Acts 5:29). Quote from Charles Stanley “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him”

FYI- Not trusting God is a lack of faith, and whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Didn’t the Lord tell us to seek Him and His Kingdom first, and all these things will be added? (Matthew 6:33). It seems as though people have turned the scripture around and are seeking after things, which means things are more important to them than God.

Some people may not agree with me, and I don’t argue the point; if they want to continue believing whatever they are doing is okay, that’s on them. However, I use every opportunity to share what the Word says.

All kinds of darts were being shot at me; one after the other and rapidly. When the second fiery dart came, which was a few minutes after the first one, it hurt me to the point that I literally was in tears, but that only lasted a short while. Once I got to my apartment, the Word of God came to my remembrance. I started praising God, got on the computer and started tying a message. My hurt and pain only lasted momentarily, my fulness of joy was restored, praise the Lord!

Jesus prayed that our joy would remain and be full (John 15:11), and until He returns, Jesus is able to help us during our hurts and pain.

Thank You Lord, when weeping comes, joy also comes. Thanks be to the Lord God who helps us to overcome evil forces.

Thanks be to God for being able to recognize that our real enemy are the devil and his demonic forces (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Be encouraged, our challenges (afflictions) come to make us stronger.

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org