STEPPING STONES

 

 A dear friend, Greg Pedroza, shared that inspirational quote. I have written about him more than a few times because of the way he focuses on the positive despite seemingly negative circumstances. His life example inspires me to want to be more resolute in my faith so that I, too, can live with confidence that, whatever my circumstances, God is to be glorified.

Greg, for over 43 years, has endured many physical obstacles, which I shared about in a reflection written about ten years ago. Feel free to click here to read.

His latest obstacle started in mid-April this year when he was admitted to the hospital for severe pneumonia and sepsis when he aspirated on some food. Early intervention helped Greg get past those issues, but their effects will be with him the rest of his life. He is regaining the use of his voice, but he is unable to swallow properly, so he has a feeding tube to get nourishment. One of his biggest crosses now is missing his sense of taste. In addition, his legs have gotten very weak after being in bed for six weeks to date. He is looking forward to returning home in another six weeks if all goes as planned.

 

Greg smiling five weeks into this latest stepping stone journey.

 

I think Greg’s life testifies to the truth of these three thoughts:

*“It’s not what happens that counts… It’s how you react. Your mental attitude determines what you make of it, either a stepping stone or stumbling block.”  ~Bruce Lee

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  –James 1:2-4  (NIV)

James is encouraging us all to have a positive mental attitude through the trials that are a natural part of life in our fallen world. We live in an imperfect world with imperfect people, but God is still on the throne! This verse calls us to action to respond to our trials, regardless of size, by considering them opportunities for joy. The joy is not in the trials themselves, but in knowing that God works even in difficult circumstances.

I am always amazed at the positive attitude Greg focuses on, no matter what trial he is dealing with. I see how Greg, despite his current health crisis, maintains his wit and sense of humor, and brightens his nurses’ and doctors’ days reflecting the joy of the Lord that is in him.

*The only difference between a stumbling block and a stepping stone is how you approach it.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  –Romans 8:35-39  (NIV)

If we use our trials as stepping stones in our faith, we are conquerors through God because of His love for us. We live knowing that nothing in this world, whether seen or unseen, has more power than the love of God for His dear children. There will be times of difficulty, but we know that God is with us every step of the way, and this gives us strength.

I see how Greg lives with great faith and knows the depth of God’s love for him. He shares God’s love with everyone he meets, being upbeat, asking about others and their lives, and showing how much he cares about them. God is love, and Greg shares that same love with all.

 

Photo courtesy of BK under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)

*When you replace “Why is this happening to me?” with “What is this trying to teach me?” everything shifts.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who He has given us.  –Romans 5:1-5  (NIV)

When experiencing a hardship, we tend to focus on it rather than what we can learn from it. When we look at our trials as lessons or stepping stones in our lives, we face them with peace, faith, and God’s grace that is always with us. We know that the lessons of perseverance, character, hope, and love are byproducts that ultimately draw us closer to God. Even Jesus endured great suffering with His death on a cross for our sakes, teaching Him the same lessons.

Greg’s life, even when he was young, has always been about looking for the lessons that God is teaching him especially through other people. He encourages others to reflect on how every person teaches us a lesson that we can apply and learn from.

 

I am forever grateful for the gift of knowing Greg and his wife, Lilly, for the last 40 years (even though I’m only 23!), along with their children. Their daughter is a bonus sister to me, as we have grown closer in faith over the last few years. Greg and Lilly are also a beautiful example of unconditional love and respect for each other. I hope to keep implementing lessons of faith, perseverance, looking at the bright side, and being positive, to name a few things I have seen them model. Thank you for living inspirational lives of faith to bless all who know and love you!

 

Photo courtesy of Michelle Ress under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Be encouraged this week when facing trials in your life to…

…view them as opportunities for joy, and know that God works in all circumstances.

…know you can conquer them with God and His love.

…see what lessons you can learn from them.

 

REFLECTION:

What stumbling block can you view as a stepping stone to growth?
Which of the three lessons do you need to work on the most?

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.  –Psalm 112:6-8  (NIV)