by Pastor Welton T. Smith, IV
Reference Scripture: Psalm 37: 16-19
In 2005, Good Morning America interviewed a young man and his father who had recently been stranded on a boat in the middle of the sea for twenty days. Most physiologists suggest that the most time that a human body could live under those circumstances was eight days. However, without food or shelter these two individuals exceeding the expectation with no questions. While on Good Morning America, the interviewer asked the two "without food, water, or shelter, how did you do it?" The young man that was seventeen years of age replied "I survived by using will-power". The interviewer was quite shocked to hear such a term come from such a young man, so she asked him to define what will-power was. The young man said "I told my mind to tell my body that we would not die in this."
And maybe you have never known what it is like to be stranded at sea, but if you have ever been through any hard times you know something about will-power! Have you ever stopped and took a serious look over your life? Have you ever REALLY considered what God has brought you through? Do you have any idea where you could have ended up? If you have a testimony at all you know you were only able to make it because of the will-power that God put inside of you.
Unfortunately, I don't know where you live as you are reading this inspiration. However, for you that live in Detroit, you are aware that the country has labeled us as the most miserable city. We have the worst economy in the U.S. today. If you have never seen one before, when you look at Detroit right now; these are some hard times. We are leading in the nation's layoffs, pay cuts, and foreclosures. And you may have had a bout with one of these or much other area's, but allow me to suggest a word of encouragement to you; you will survive your hard times.
David at the time that he pinned this psalmic address was stuck in the "Cave of Aijalom", while hiding away in hard times he has a very surprising insight. And he says that in the times of famine, the righteous people will enjoy much. Allow me to try and adjust you perspective on your predicament. When you reflect on all that you have endured thus far…. You are still alive! Do you understand how many other people if they had to contend with your life would have been crazy by now? But now you can say of a truth "what didn't kill me made me stronger!"
Lastly, while you, like David, are stuck in your cave of hard times. There is one thing you need to remember to be thankful for and that is "as bad as it is…it could be worse!"
-Pastor Welton T. Smith IV
New Life Family Church
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