Wednesday's reading was a great moment of reflection for me as are all the entries I read on this blog.
One part of the Christian message that's often uncomfortable is the notion of suffering. We talk about it often but the message of suffering as a Christian is often lost in translation when we're going through it. I'm the first to admit it. I acknowledge suffering is a part of Christian life and I'll mention that God was taking care of me in retrospect. But during the times that I feel like I am suffering, God is usually the furthest thing from my mind.
It's funny that every passage I have read and wrote about seems to be so relevant in my life. When God prunes and refines me, I hear Him saying "Get through it with me. Depend on me." But I'm usually thinking "Get it over it quickly like a man should. Then thank God when it's all over."
I realized reading this passage how much pride I still have even when I try to, and should, surrender to God.
I think it's amazing how as children of God, everything is to our benefit if we faithfully follow Him. Even when God prunes us, it's to bear more fruit. It's to make us better. God always wants to better us in all things. It's never merely to "teach us a lesson" only. It's to make us stronger and better in Him.
John Stott closed with a quote that instructs us to "never let go your hold on me [God] for a moment." Well I can say personally that I've let go a countless number of times. But it's been God who's never done the same to me in my entire life.
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3 comments:
God is truly faithful to His children....
We often pursue and settle with what's better for us. But God knows what is BEST for us. If we are to trust and depend on Him in every aspects of life, God will reveal Himself and his will to us. As we remain in Him,we will bear much fruits.
Amen! Thanks for the post.
to take it even further...let's just say God gave you all these hardships so you can let go of yourself. isn't that amazing? because otherwise you would NEVER let go. to make you realize that you are ultimately NOTHING. If someone or your friend denied you, would you go out of your way to restore that relationship? i wouldnt... and that's what amazes me. because though we are NOTHING...we are SOMETHING in His eyes for Him to reach out like that. of course, some might say... why not? and not think much of it. but if you think about it, we're talking about God here. GOD! THE ALMIGHTY GOD. GOD OF ALL HEAVEN AND EARTH!! GOD OF UNIVERSE!! reaching out to this tiny, worthless person on earth.
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