Continuing the discussion from last week’s entry, think about how difficulties, challenges, and pain have shaped your character and values. In the book, The Case for Faith, Kreeft says: “I believe all suffering contains at least the opportunity for good.” When we are in the mist of a difficult situation, it is hard to see any good that could come from it. I don’t think any of us can honestly say we enjoy struggles in our lives, but through those situations, we become a stronger person.
Our generation is all about instant gratification. We want everything now and so many of us think things should be handed to us. So many people in our culture coast through life and are too lazy to fight for something. Sadly, we are comfortable with just settling. Hard work can be painful and cause extra stress, but God didn’t make us to be “comfortable.” He has made each and everyone of us in His image & wants us to use the talents He has given us. When we “go after” something or do something extreme, it takes courage and often there is pain, struggles, and obstacles associated.
Think about some testimony’s or sermons that have touched your life. Can you recall any that didn’t require a leap of faith? or decision to surrender & trust in the Lord’s plan? No, I highly doubt you have ever heard any type of motivational speaker that said, “Life should be easy, carefree, & simple… Expect things to be handed to you.” If we know that challenges are what shape us into a better person, why do we run from them?
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. ~MLK
My family was in town this past weekend and wanted to visit Redeemer. (A church in NY) I looked online to confirm the time & location, as I have never visited this church. When we arrived, there was a notice on the door: “The 6pm service will be held at first Baptist church on 79th & Broadway.” (Which is on the other side of the city) As I saw people approaching the building, I could hear several of them say: “Well I guess I will wait until next week,” “Hungry? We can just go to dinner,” “We will never make it to the other location in time!” To be honest, I was one of the ones who thought we could never make it to the next location in time.
I thought about how so many of us are looking for God in all the wrong places. We “look online” to confirm where the world says God should be (in the mist of happiness and all things good). So when we are dealing with difficult issues in our life, we look past Gods plan and become selfish. “Why would God do this to me!” We forget that he has not abandoned us, He has a different plan, a new direction. But, in order to fulfill his plan for our lives, we must be willing to “travel across the city to the correct destination.”
Proverbs 16:9: A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps
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