Christian Rossiter was once an active outdoorsman, but now suffers from a condition that has left him immobilized and in constant pain. He describes his current state as "living hell" and says he wants to die to escape the pain, as he can no longer do basic tasks on his own. A passage from the book of James is included that discusses maintaining faith during trials.
2. Christian Rossiter "This is living hell. I used to be a cyclist, I used to be a keen walker. I bushwalked around the world. ... I've rock climbed in Yosemite Valley in California up very steep cliffs. I've got a degree in economics and now I can't even read a newspaper. I can't even turn the pages."
5. Christian Rossiter "I'm Christian Rossiter and I'd like to die. I am a prisoner in my own body. I can't move. I can't even wipe the tears from my eyes. I have no fear of death -- just pain. I only fear pain."
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7. A Lifeline is a short sentence thatcontains profound wisdom that can really help you to live life to the fullest now.
10. James 1:2-8 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
11. James 1:2-8 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
12. James 1:2-8 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
13. James 1:2-8 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
14. James 1:2-8 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
23. The Benefits of having a Learner’s Attitude Your life experiences will not be wasted. You will gain wisdom over time. You will not keep repeating your mistakes. You will learn to decide correctly. You will be able to choose what is right and pleasing to God rather than those things that are just temporary or worldly. You will be able to fulfill God’s purpose for your life.
30. Let’s talk about it What is the most important lesson you’ve learned today? Why? What usually happens when you experience something significant in your life? Do you pause to learn what God may be teaching you? Why or why not? Why is it that we don’t often learn from our life experiences? What would you do differently as a response to this message?