Romans 12:2- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Thessalonians 2:4- On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.
A test is a challenge to measure your learning, growth, and development. God tests us so that we may grow closer to him. Our character is not only revealed through the passing of tests, but it is also deeper developed during trials. God allows tests in our lives to strengthen our faith. During difficult times we need to dig deeper into God’s promises so we will be able to withstand any challenge thrown our way. We should be joyful during our trails because God is working on our hearts. Think about some of the greatest testimonies your have heard; I would be willing to bet that the testimonies that moved you included some sort of hurt and suffering prior to salvation. Most great testimonies involve struggles after salvation too. God allows bumps in the road to shape us and also influence others.
Last night my sister and I went to see the movie Courageous. (EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!) Towards the beginning of the movie the main character’s daughter is in a terrible accident and passes away. (I do not usually cry in movies, but I was bawling during this one) Although the death of this little girl was a tragedy, her death is what lead to the “Resolution.” (go see the movie and you will understand) through this little girls death, lives were saved, and families were brought together. When we are faced with tragedies, it is difficult to see the bigger plan. God uses painful events to lead to something beautiful!
James 1: 2-4- consider it pure joy, my brothers; whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
The pain of this world is temporary. We, as Christians, are citizens of Heaven, a place where there is no pain. We are cheating on God when we live for the here and now, the temporary pleasures of this world. *Is it possible that God allows pain in our lives so that we do not become comfortable on earth? Maybe he has allowed hurtful things in my life because he wants me to long for what is eternal? It would explain why followers of Jesus experience rejection & sorrow. “We are not completely happy here because we are not suppose to be!” –Rick Warren
James 4:4- you people promised God you would be true to him, but you did not stay true! Do you not know that if you love the world you hate God? Anyone who wants to be a lover of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
“If my days were untroubled and my heart always light, would I seek that fair land where there is no night? If I never grew weary with the weight of my load, would I search for God's peace at the end of the road? If I never knew sickness and never felt pain, would I search for a hand to help and sustain? If I walked without sorrow and lived without loss, would my soul seek solace at the foot of the cross? If all I desired was mine day by day, would I kneel before God and earnestly pray? If God sent no winter to freeze me with fear, would I yearn for the warmth of spring every year? I ask myself these and the answer is plain, if my life were pleasure and I never knew pain-I'd seek God less often and need Him much less, for God is sought more often in times of distress. And no one knows God or sees Him as plain-as those who have met Him on the "Pathway of Pain."
-Unknown Author (SkyWriting.Net)
Today’s Challenge:
What is currently causing pain in your life? Can you see how Christ is using that pain in your life for good? If not, begin to pray that He would provide the strength to get you through and that He would reveal the bigger picture.
Today I choose to thank God for the challenges I face, knowing that His plan is better than my own! Thank you Lord.
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