As the holiday season approaches, I am most thankful for trials. How incredible that the Lord trusts me with adversity? He has come to give me "abundant life" and to use "all things" for my glory so that I might "share in His righteousness" (John 10:10; Romans 8:28; 8:17).
Trials increase my aptitude and trust in the Lord while wooing me closer to His heart. Paul indicates to the Romans that they should take heart in their suffering, as "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (5:3-4). God ensures us this is not in vain, as those who live according to the spirit will be set free (8:13).
This Thanksgiving, I pray I would sanctify my life to look more Christ-like every day. I seek peace and life that only the spirit offers, for "the mind governed by the flesh is death" (8:6). Attempting to please myself will only lead to death and bondage that cannot be overcome. The difference between joy and happiness when you seek a tangible relationship with the Lord is overwhelming. There are several voids happiness is incapable of filling. Joy is of its own spectrum and is only truly experienced with the Holy Spirit at its core.
When you look around, what do you see? Bitterness, shame, regret, anger, guilt, deception. These are the result of a fallen world. Renew your heart, mind and spirit of these things daily and lean into God's favorable circumstance in these times, for His is the perfect, pleasing will (12:2). His love is the only one that can complete you, for it is given freely and without expectation (Matt. 5:48). It is man's response to Christ's redemption, not the result of human works that fulfills the Lord's design (Eph. 2:8-9).
You are not the center of this world, so look around and be give thanks, even in the midst of difficult times or unshapely circumstances. God will grow you in them, for His characteristics are immutable and uniquely His, just as You are uniquely His child.
No comments:
Post a Comment