Accepting Hardship as a Pathway to Peace

November 12, 2018, By: Jimmy Scruggs

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
“Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace” comes from the long version of the Serenity Prayer (quoted at the end of this message). In CR, we close with this prayer every Friday night. But you know, sometimes we can pray this prayer and it becomes routine. We start taking it for granted. It’s important to stop and remind ourselves what we are praying for, understanding its real significance. There have been many times when I thought hardship was anything but a positive experience, and I certainly was not joyful under such heavy struggles. But as I continue my spiritual journey and experience Gods transforming power, I am starting to understand the spiritual reality that hardship is a pathway to peace. Some hardships are extremely difficult, but it is in going through them that real positive change occurs. When I have nothing left of my own power to affect change is when I truly begin to rely on God for his power and timing. There is purpose in the struggle; the purpose is found in a growing relationship with Jesus as we surrender to his will for our lives. I am reminded that God is not always trying to teach us something new in our trials, he also wants us to unlearn old dysfunctional behaviors as well. Sometimes you have to give something up to make room for something new. SERENITY PRAYER God, grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace. Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it. Trusting that you will make all things right if I surrender to your will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with you forever in the next. Amen. Dana Cramer // Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads

Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church Calendar November 12-18, 2018

Friday, November 16: Lesson Night
  • 6pm: Our Hospitality Team is preparing a wonderful dinner for you. Please join us for food and fellowship.
  • 7pmPlease join us for an hour of worship and a step 12 recovery message: “YES.”
  • 8pm: Open Share Groups.
  • 9pm: Solid Rock Café