Great Conversations

I was sitting down with some friends of mine the other day and began to talk about the challenges, sins and pressures I was experiencing in my life.  I came into the conversation with a lot of fear and anxiety, but left feeling hopeful and free.

We can underestimate the value and changing power of great conversations.  In fact, UCLA research studies say that people need at least ten meaningful conversations a day to remain emotionally healthy.

I find that the right view of God and the right conversations with God and friends are a few of the most helpful resources in times of challenge, pressure and hardship.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger of sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:28

It is easy to get a bad attitude about hardship and start doubting God’s purpose for our lives. When hard and painful things happen to us it’s hard to maintain our belief in the goodness of God!

Great conversations should remind us of God’s goodness and His purpose for our lives.

The legendary Wimbledon player, Arthur Ashe, died of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983.  During that time,  he received letters from his fans across the globe, one of which conveyed: “Why does God have to select you for such a bad disease”?  To this Arthur Ashe replied,

“The world over–50 million children start playing tennis, 5 million learn to play tennis, 500,000 learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, and 5,000 reach the grand slam, 50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to the semi-finals, 2 to the finals, When I was holding up a cup I never asked God, why me? And today in pain I should not be asking God, why me? Happiness keeps you sweet, trials keep you strong, sorrow keeps you human, failure keeps you humble and success keeps you glowing, but only faith and attitude keeps you going.

Hebrews 3:12-13 is another great scripture that reminds us of the impact the right conversations can have on our heart.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself and others that will lead to a great conversation about your relationships with God:

What are challenges in your life you currently do not have the answers for?  How are they affecting your view of God?

Do you look forward to spending time with God?

Are you excited about inspiring others to know God?

What conversation could you have with someone who is currently going through a hard time, which could help them with their attitude and view of God?