"We go through exactly what Christ goes through." Romans 8:17
"Since God intends to make you more like Jesus, He'll take you through some experiences Jesus went through: like being rejected by your loved ones, criticized by church folks, misunderstood by the world, betrayed by those who claim to love you.
"What should I do you ask?"
1) Stay focused on God's plan, not your pain! Listen: "Keep your eyes on Jesus...he was willing to die a shameful death...because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards" Hebrews 12:2 Corrie-ten-Boom wrote, "If you look at the world you'll be distressed. If you look within you'll be depressed. If you look to Christ you'll be at rest."
2) Don't give in to short term thinking. Stay focused on the end of the game. You don't get a trophy until the race is over, so determine to finish strong!
3) Refuse to give up! Listen: "Let the process go on until...you have become men of mature character...with no weak spots" James 1:3-4. When you try to avoid difficulties you short-circuit the process, delay your growth and end up with a worse kind of pain-the worthless type that accompanies denial and avoidance.
Once you grasp the importance of character development, you'll start praying fewer "comfort me" prayers and more "conform me" ones. Stop asking, "Why me?" Instead ask, "What do you want me to learn?" Then trust God and keep doing what's right. In other words, don't give up-grow up!"
BGM
I don't know about you, but I really needed that today. Some days the pressure seems just so overwhelming...but that's when we know that we're really doing damage in the enemy's camp. If we weren't doing anything to be challenged for, the enemy would leave us alone and spend his time on those who are...so REJOICE IN YOUR AFFLICTION!!! (I know...that's real easy to say...so let's agree to rejoice together as we lift each other up...)
"Let heaven fill your thoughts; don't spend your time worrying about things down here." Colossians 3:2
"Whether a person has Christ is what matters..." Colossians 3:11
"Be ready to suffer quietly and patiently." Colossians 3:12
"And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17
It really looks to me like Paul, writing to the Colossians in chapter 3, about nailed my poor, sorry, self deprecating spirit today. How about you?
Lord, forgive us for our faint and foolish hearts. Give us a heart that follows hard after You! In Jesus' name, Amen!
