While most of our suffering is self- inflicted, some is caused by or permitted by God. This sobering reality calls for deep submissiveness, especially when God does not remove the cup from us. In such circumstances, when reminded about the premortal shouting for joy as this life's plan was unfolded (Job 38:7), we can perhaps be pardoned if, in some moments, we wonder what all the shouting was about.

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When we are unduly impatient with an omniscient God's timing, we really are suggesting that we know what's best. Strange isn't it-we who wear wrist watches seek to counsel Him who oversees cosmic clocks and calendars.

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Satan delights to have us put ourselves down. Self-contempt is of Satan. There is no such thing in heaven.

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Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His. We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God's purposes and patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable.

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If, in the end, you have not chosen Jesus Christ it will not matter what you have chosen.

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God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability.

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We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.

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The soul is like a violin string: it makes music only when it is stretched.

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It is our job to lift others up, not to size them up.

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It is extremely important for you to believe in yourselves, not only for what you are now, but for what you have the power to become.

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