These past few days have been full of laughter and tears, but most of all full of incredible spiritual growth. Its hard for me to keep it to myself because I know that when I'm faced with struggles its always helpful to hear of other people coping with theirs and making it. And I believe that Christ uses our struggles for His glory. Here it goes...
A life built on a relationship with Christ is one that is very sacrificial. Now I'm not saying that if you're a believer you will automatically have to give up absolutely everything. But as the Lord gives, He also takes away. In Luke 9:23 He says, "If any man should come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." Sometimes when we deny ourselves, that means denying ourselves of things we want. Hard lesson to learn, but I think it is one that all of us will eventually face.
One of the things that most believers struggle with is completely letting go and literally giving it all to Him. That means putting your ENTIRE life in His hands. Its not an easy thing to do, especially when His plan doesn't really line up with your own. But His plan always overcomes and will always be the best. Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Maybe we should take the time to step back and realize that our plans aren't for our own good. I mean wouldn't it make sense that the creator of the whole universe, the creator that knows exactly how many hairs are on your head and knows how many breaths you will take, wouldn't it make sense that He knows exactly what we need? Answer? ABSOLUTELY! How great is our God? I means seriously?!
Now this by no means makes it any easier, especially when He calls you to give up something that means so much to you. Not going to lie, it for lack of a better term sucks. But in this struggle God brings peace, sometimes not immediately, but He brings peace. This lesson is not a lesson that is easy for me to learn, but the closeness that has strengthened between my God and myself this past weekend is so beautiful. And how wonderful it is to know that it will only grow stronger and more beautiful! Through times like this, it is so important to surround yourself with those who can build you up and lead you in His word and then surround yourself with His word and His truth.
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18. WOW! Such an eye opening verse. No matter how much I am suffering now, no matter how rough the pain gets, the glory He reveals in the end, the unravelling of His plan for my life will be so worth it. I must, we all must, trust in the faithfulness of Christ because He will never lead us to harm or destruction. He has such a good and beautiful purpose for each and every one of us! "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.
My struggles and my pain are so small compared to the wonder and beauty that He has in store for me. Let us worship him through EVERYTHING, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
All I think I am trying to say is don't ignore God. Follow Him. Simply follow Him. No matter how difficult it may be, your joy will be far greater when you follow Him and deny yourself DAILY than if you try to do this your way. You will be surprised where He takes you. Follow Him and trust in His amazing love, grace, mercy, and faithfulness.
My song of encouragement right now:
He Said (Click Here to Listen)
Give it a listen :)
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