The Value of Hard Places By Os Hillman
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&view=post&articleid=88430&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Os%20Hillman&fldTopic=0
By Os Hillman
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"So
then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4:12
Being forced into hard places
gives us a whole new perspective on life. Things we once valued no longer hold
the same value. Small things become big things, and what we once thought big no
longer holds such importance.
These hard places allow us to
identify with the sufferings of others. It keeps us from having a shallow view
of the hardships of others and allows us to truly identify with them. Those who
speak of such trials from no experience often judge others who have had such
hardship. It is a superficiality of Christian experience that often permeates
shallow believers.
Those who have walked in hard
places immediately have a kinship with others who have walked there also. They
do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and
admiration for their common experience. They know that death has worked a
special thing in them. This death leads to life in others because of the hard
places God has taken them through.
It is impossible to appreciate
any valley experience while you are in it. However, once you have reached the
top of the mountain, you are able to appreciate what terrain you have passed
through. You marvel at what you were able to walk through. The valley of the
shadow of death has yielded more than you ever thought possible. You are able
to appreciate the beauty of the experience and lay aside the sorrow and pain it
may have produced.
Death works in you for a greater
purpose. If you are there today, be assured that God is producing something of
much greater value than you will ever know.
Os Hillman
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"And the Lord said to Joshua, 'This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.'"(Josh 3:7-8). Joshua had been a faithful number two man under Moses for 40 years. Can you imagine serving one man for 40 years? Now that is faithfulness! Even so, when the time came to pass the mantel to Joshua, God knew he needed to be elevated in the eyes of the people in order for Joshua to accomplish his purpose. That is the purpose for elevation - so that you and I can fulfill our purpose and our mission.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=206343&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Os%20Hillman&fldTopic=0
"Then Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband." Ruth 1:3-5 Naomi's life was going well. A great husband. Two fine sons who had two wonderful wives. Then the unthinkable happened. Her husband died. A little time later both her sons die. Her and her daughter-in-laws find themselves in the midst of shattered dreams. This isn't how life was supposed to be.
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"While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.'" Acts 10:19-20 Peter had never preached to the Gentiles. In fact, he believed it was against Jewish law to associate with the Gentiles. God needed to change Peter's attitude about this, so God gave Peter a vision that showed him it was permissible to preach to the Gentiles. The Spirit came to Peter and informed him that some men were about to come visit him, and he was to go with them. He went with them, and the Lord did great miracles in the lives of Gentiles through Peter.