Legit Suffering a Possibility?

joshuamills • February 18, 2011

Had an ‘ah-hah’ moment just now and had to share… I’ve been wracking my brain lately with our children and youth ministry at the church and trying to find that “this works” combination for all parties, and God has been revealing things to me pretty much daily. But, for a few days, I really, truly felt like I was suffering to some extent – trying to figure out what works and why other things just simply aren’t working.

We always here the verse echo through our head to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14) but how hard is it to really live that out? I mean, how much easier could life be if we didn’t have struggles? How much easier could it be if that one person wasn’t ever on our case, let alone on our case more times than not? What if things always worked out the easy way? What if we got that promotion because we deserved it, rather than having to fight like crazy to be noticed? What if?

OR, in my case, what would happen if that ministry just worked out the first time, and I didn’t have to search continuously for one that fit the need? What if I could just have this happy-go-lucky ministry that just always came and went with a smile?

Then, I realized, that if I always had things easy and handed to me, then I’d never learn. I’d never be thankful. I’d never be gracious to a God that has given me literally everything that I own or have a part of – my wife, my kids, my job, my money, my clothes, the list goes on.

I read an interesting quote this morning by C.S. Lewis that says “We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ‘Blessed are they that mourn.'”

How true is that? Reflect upon your life. Maybe those tough times were more like learning times. Maybe those times that you felt the lowest, God was doing the most work in your life and in your heart. Instead of thinking down on those tough times, figure out how to praise Him in the storm – then you’ll find the rest and comfort in the arms of the only One who truly knows how to comfort.

FCA of Southeast Missouri

Unpark Your Prayer Life

May 3, 2023
Prayer is a conversation with God.

Do you ever struggle with your faith?

By Darrin Scott • April 17, 2023
Our struggle with Faith

“Dude, I’m in the Book of John and it’s blowing my mind…”

By joshuamills • April 12, 2023
A few months ago, through FCA, I had the privilege of meeting Joey, an athlete at a local college. Joey is one legit dude – a guy who is crazy talented at basketball, has the size to play D1, and is a kid of good character. His life was different than mine growing up. I’m sitting at days shy of 40, and he just landed on year 19. His upbringing wasn’t the same, but we both were taught about Jesus at an early age. We both thought we had it figured out. We were both just off the mark.

Hidden Gems

By joshuamills • October 22, 2020
To the naked eye, this is a bunch of trees. To the hunter’s eye, he sees four potential shots. Okay, maybe you can see two, but there are four in there – I know because all four of them ran in front of me yesterday at the Black River Ranch. I had to stop and take this picture because it really hit me as I searched for all four in the thick wooded area – that’s how I am with God sometimes. Okay, a LOT of the time.

Buckets, Coolers and Camp Chairs…

By joshuamills • October 15, 2020
During the summer months, the set-up pictured above is what gets stuffed into our trunk before we head to the ballpark. Baseball buckets, packed coolers with waters and Gatorades, and camp chairs – pick your piece of equipment above, and it’s traveling with us weekend after weekend. But on Thursday mornings, they come out of the trunk for this nice seating arrangement in our garage. Comfortable? Not really (except my red camp chair and I’m the oldest haha). Functional? That’s all that matters to them.

Ch-ch-changes…

By joshuamills • October 13, 2020
The two images above are from the same general location, two weeks apart… (photo credits to Smoky Mountain Grocery on Wears Valley Road in Sevierville, TN btw – they have killer Instagram photos all the time). Anyway, this was a striking revelation for me this morning as I sat on my couch, in deep, deep thought about the future and what God holds for me and my family. I’d be a liar to tell you that the year 2020 hasn’t “2020’d me” like it has everyone else. It’s been full of surprises, some good, some bad, some making me question a lot of things – but just bizarre for the most part.

Father-Son moment like no other…

By joshuamills • August 15, 2011
Last night I had the chance of a lifetime – twice. For starters, I’m 28, and I spent the evening with my father at our first father/son only Cardinals game – why it took so many years, I have no clue… but it did – and it was worth it. We made the 2.5 hour trek up to St. Louis mid-afternoon, chatting the whole way about church, the ministry, family, and just life in general. I could’ve turned around at STL and been fine with not even going to the game, as the time I spent with my dad was both quality and quantity time – a true blessing. But, the chance of a lifetime was sitting in section 158, our usual, just the two of us, enjoying a cool evening at the ballpark and a great first inning.

No Weapon Formed Against Me Will Prosper… declares the LORD

By joshuamills • July 28, 2011
As the dog days of summer drag on, there’s one trend I’ve noticed in some of our youth and in social-media networks such as Facebook – there’s a LOT of hurt going on in society. I had the privilege to take a group of 18 down to Orange Beach, Alabama recently, and throughout our small group times, one of the things I kept experiencing over and over again, was that a lot of our youth are hurting, and calling out for help. I honestly feel blessed to be near them during these difficult times, trying to help and minister where God leads – but maybe some of you are going through the same thing – so here’s a pick-me-up pack of Scripture to see you through – it’s a strengthening passage.

“Born in ’21” – Happy 90th Birthday Grandpa Mills

By joshuamills • April 11, 2011

the GROVE – lesson follow-up from Sunday, March, 20, 2011 – Be COURAGEOUS!

By joshuamills • March 22, 2011
Hey Parents,
More Posts