Life is Hard!

I am a strong believer that God uses everything that happens in life to teach us something about Himself if we will just listen to His Spirit and allow Him to instruct us. Then I search God’s Word to see what God has specifically said regarding what the Spirit has impressed upon my mind.

I am a pen turner and I love to work at my lathe. I have learned many things about life as I work at my lathe. Each step of the process in turning a piece of wood or antler into a pen is painful to the material with which I am working. The process includes cutting, drilling, shaping, sanding, polishing, friction, and pressure. But when the process is complete the material has been transformed; it has new beauty, value, and purpose. Something of little value now has greater value, all because it endured a painful process! Life is full of difficulties and it easy to become overwhelmed. But there is a purpose behind each hardship; they are all part of a process to shape and mold us into some of greater value and purpose. My desire in writing this blog is to encourage and maybe stir up some conversation with the lessons that God has been teaching me through the painful process of life. Life is hard, but God is good. May He continue working His process in my life.

If you are going to read any of my posts be sure to ready "Introduction to Lessons from the Lathe". In that post I lay out the basis for all the other blogs.

Letters of Recommendation

Pastor Frank Snyder
First Baptist Church Middleville, Michigan

"Scott Steiner has much to offer the Body of Christ, not because of who Scott is but because of who he is in Christ and the real life lessons that his Savior hs brought him through and continues to see him through. Scott knows how to emphathize with and then encourage his fellow Christian, especially those who are suffering and / or going through difficult circumstances. He does this through his excellent teaching of God' Word, his comforting singing of God's music, as well as his insightful writing ofGod's provision and care. Scott's primary goal in his teaching, singing, and writing is the glory of God and the edification and encouragement of God's children. Scott continues to be a huge inspiration to many through the gifts God has given to him.

Pastor Thomas L. Sluys
Pierson Bible Church, Michigan

Serving people in the name of our precious Lord brings us in contact with those who are suffering. Often a deep meaning is sought to justify God's purpose for this. As a fellow servant, I am aware of the difficulty of leaving the purpose of suffering with the Lord and communicating His love to those who suffer. However, God raises up some men who share this truth with the wisdom gained from their experience of suffering. This is an immense value to all of us and a direct fulfillment of what God said He would do to bring comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-2).

Scott brings a great deal of credibility to this kind of ministry. I know Scott as a dedicated worker from the years we have served together in ministry. His gentle approach to this difficult subject will touch the lives of people who will not be open to one who has not been through as much. You will strengthen your ministry with his input from the Word to your people. I hope you will invite him to visit soon.

Bruce N. Stewart
First Baptist Church Middleville, Michigan

I was Scott Steiner's Pastor for several years before I retired. I sat in his Sunday school class and watched as he handled the Word. I saw him as he went through many physical and finicial trials and always accepting them from the hand of the Lord. He was such an encouragement to me and many others as he wove his trials through the Word fo God. I'm sure he would be an encouragement to you and your people as you allow him to share.


Paula Scheer

I am one of those that enjoy reading everything you write. It's a mixed bag when I read - of hurting with you, laughing, praying and being encouraged. Your testimony puts me to shame and yet it uplifts me that you can see God's hand in all around you. As you say - God IS good - ALL THE TIME!

Mary Osbeck

Thanks for sharing from the heart your discouragements and how God has brought you through them through God's Word. You share from your heart your true feelings no matter how you are feeling while many others only share the upside when they are feeling good. Keep the faith. You have been a positive example to me.

Ross and Rojean Sprague

You encourage us! (We) were talking on Sunday night how it seems that when crises comes Christians respond in one of two ways...for some, their faith withers up while others grow more like Christ through their trials and tribulations. We have watched you on this journey and know that while there have been moments of discouragement for you; you seem to have grown spiritually closer to our Father.

David Snyder

I love your honesty today. The act of lament is truly an intimate moment with God. It would be easy for me to say "hang in there" - but I'm not "there" - you are. I can't imagine what you are truly facing deep in your soul. All I know is that God has used you to be a huge inspiration to me and to many others watching you go through this struggle.

Randy DeGood

I met Mr. Steiner at FBC in Middleville, Michigan. He was and still is my Sunday school teacher. As a teacher, my wife and I have benefited greatly from his wisdom and insight into God’s word. Scott is a man of integrity and spends a great amount of time studying for his presentations. Over the past years, he has become a very good friend as well. I have watched him in both sickness and "sort" of healthy. In both cases, he maintains his witness. I would highly recommend him for any teaching, speaking or pulpit ministry opportunities where you may have need of an excellent speaker. You will not be disappointed.