THE RELIGION CORNER: Strength Grows from Struggles

by Lyndia Grant
Special to the NNPA from The Washington Informer

“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle…” — Napoleon Hill

Bad weather happens for scientific reasons; it’s caused by low pressure zones, evaporation cycles and jet streams all converging. The crisis in your life has a root cause as well. But what, exactly is the cause for your problem?

When storm clouds begin to form, it’s not a time to be impatient and ignore it, hoping it will go away. For severe storms, we seek shelter; maybe even have to go underground.

Remember the earthquake we had recently; I ran downstairs, stood in the doorway, not sure what to do! Earthquakes had been a part of life when I lived in California, not in the Washington Metropolitan Area, it was scary!

In life’s storms though, we must do the same thing with our lives, run for cover. This is a time to seek His face in surrendered devotion and prayer by shutting yourself off from others.

You’ve got to dig deep below your fears and experiences to uncover things you may not want to face; such as regularly attending worship service; paying your tithes; helping others, keeping yourself joyful and happy; and become doers as well as hearers of His Word.

When you operate in fear, God needs your attention, and he willget it, one way or the other! Fear is faith going backward!

You may never know the reason these things happen. The prophet Job was never given a reason, and look at all he had to endure!

As I look back over my life, everything was frozen; it was winter; no new contracts. Sickness had come over my body — diagnosed with diabetes. Yet even in the midst of my illness, like the prophet Job, I held on to my faith; I declared healing in the name of Jesus.

In fact, daily meditation with Wayne Dyer became my norm; praying, being thankful. And though my finances were short, I was grateful for what I had. Both sons put cash in my bank account every two weeks for months, and I never asked. How could I notfeel blessed?

My children were a priority. They didn’t know it, but they had a praying mother! Prayers of thanksgiving; and faith, focused only on the future.

During meditation, my radio show dream was kept alive as I pictured myself inside the radio station doing God’s will for my life; giving live broadcasts, with sponsors and dynamic guests. No pity parties for me, I was busy walking by faith and not by sight.

Then suddenly, the storm passed hallelujah! It worked. Suddenly, “Think on These Things” radio talk show hosted by Lyndia Grant on WYCB AM was on the air! What might have happened had I not had the struggles with my health and financial shortfalls? Indeed my strength did come from my struggles.

Today, I’m thankful for sponsors like Jack H. Olender and AmeriHealth DC; both have made commitments that will afford me the opportunity to pay off the cost of my show for the entire year.

Some of my guests have been former Mayors Marion Barry; Vincent Gray; and Sharon Pratt; back-to-back for Black History Month; talking about various issues and health. Look at the strength the Lord has given me through my struggles. It caused the sun to shine brightly for me, and He will do the same for you!

Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And Isaiah 40:31

“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

Lyndia Grant is an author, inspirational and motivational speaker, radio talk show host and columnist. Visit her new website at http://www.lyndiagrant.com and call 202-518-3192. Tune in Fridays at 6 p.m., to the radio talk show, 1340 AM, WYCB, a Radio One Station.