Purpose in the Struggle | Another Look at the Hardships Faced in Our Christian Journey

May 2, 2023Leave a comment

Why, we may wonder, why God does not just remove every obstacle and resistance to our faith? Why in this journey must we fight? Why must we strive against adversity in reaching where we are aiming to be?

Can a faith that is not exercised truly be called faith? For if the road traveled is always smooth and the pathways are always leveled plains, how then will we ever learn to climb? How will we learn to exert our muscles and pull our weight to mount upon the top?

More strength only comes by using more strength. More faith only comes by being forced to use more faith. We can only learn to climb by experience. We can only learn to push ahead by continuing to push ahead. We can only learn to fight by being made to fight.

There are things that God knows His people will only learn by going through them. That’s why Judges 3:2 says, “Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;”.

When choosing multiple services in life we tend to want to choose those with experience. Take getting a simple hair cut for example. We want those who have had plenty of practice perfecting their skill before attempting to put scissors near our heads which could alter the way we look for good or for bad.

God has many plans and purposes for His people but what we fail to see or have the patience for is the seasoning of the saint, the molding and perfecting that goes on behind the scenes.

I guarantee no one whom you have read about or seen doing great exploits for the Lord, just fell into that role ready to go. There was some teaching. There was some humbling. There was some learning along the way. It may have been behind closed doors and away from the eyes of the public, but God takes the time to make sure His vessels are properly prepared to go forth and hold all the potential and purposes He has for them.

The children of Israel might have been concerned as to why certain enemies were left in the neighboring surroundings. By them, God was testing His people. By them, God was teaching those to war who had never known war before. God was causing faith muscles to be exercised. He was training hearts to not focus on what they see in the enemy but on what they know about their God.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” (1 Peter 4:12). There is no struggle or contention that does not come without a purpose. Though it may not be pleasant it is plentifully seasoning your walk with the Lord. Like the children of Israel, it is teaching your hands to war.

One can never be a good soldier without ever facing contentions. One can never learn to fight unless they have been made to fight. One can never learn to pray in earnest if they never had that petition that would draw them to the knee with fervency. And one could never learn to seek and lean on Him if their heart were never stirred to do so through the challenges faced.

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 1:6-7). It may not always feel like it, and it may not always feel good, but there is purpose in the hardships we face, especially when it comes to our faith which is found more praiseworthy in the eyes of Christ than gold that will perish.

Sometimes we may not understand everything and we may ask, “Why?” But as we journey, may our eyes never leave Him who promised and is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). Take heart, dear friend. Through it all, at the end of our Christian race, we may look back and see the fruit those hard times produced, and we may see the purpose in the struggles.

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10).

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

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God’s Design | A Lesson from the Confident Bird

April 20, 2023Leave a comment

This morning, I saw
high in the tree,
a confident, little bird
looking down at me.

I thought, if that were me,
on the branches that swayed,
I would not be so confident.
I would be very afraid.

The bird looked at me,
as if to say,
he had no reason to fear,
for God made him this way.

To fly high, and conquer
heights unknown.
To soar was his gift,
upon the winds that blow.

What’s true for the bird,
is true for me too.
For I have gifts and talents,
special things I can do.

If the little bird was confident
in God’s designed plan,
I, too, can be sure
in God’s design for who I am.

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Laboring Women

April 13, 2023April 11, 2023Leave a comment

“And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3

Laboring women. Those two words together more than likely bring immediately to our minds the idea of childbirth, which is a unique celebration in and of itself. Yet, the Bible has a way of showing people beyond the norms of what may immediately come to mind. It highlights the character, contributions, giftings, and skills of those, men or women, who were used by God or allowed God to use what they had or could do to further Kingdom business.

While we are familiar with Ruth, Deborah, and Esther in the Old Testament, and with names like Mary (take your pick), Pricilla, and Dorcas in the New Testament, what we find in the pages of Scripture that there are numerous characters (men and women alike, although I’m focusing on a female point of view here), whose lives and contributions made a significant impact even though they were not mentioned by name.

Paul made special mention in the verse above to the Philippian church to “help those women which laboured with me in the gospel.” These women supported his ministry. These unsung, nameless warriors are only known by mention here and the people they served then. We don’t know who they are or how they helped in such a way for this honorable mention here – but help, they did, therefore Paul wanted the church to keep in mind the way their works provided service.

Another thing we don’t see here is the struggle to be seen. We don’t see a fight or contentions arising because they wanted the recognition of their name and actions to be made known. It’s as if it was just their pleasure to serve the gospel and to help in whatever capacity they could.

Their service mattered and made a difference. And while they are not named here, the “Book of Life” holds their names. Father God knows who they are, and He knows who you are.

You may not always receive the pat on the back, the acceptance, the “Good job!”, you are looking for, but what you do for Christ, what you do for the furtherance of the ministry of the Kingdom of God matters as well, and it is important.

Your name may not be published far and wide ascribing your accomplishments. But if it is published in that Book of Life, have no fear of missing out because the Holder of that holy record sees everything you do for His Kingdom, and you can trust that He will reward you accordingly.

God sees and knows what you do for Him!

Further Inspiration:

“Overlooked? Not By God!”

“Shamgar, Who?”

The Cup, the Kiss, and the Kingdom

April 4, 2023April 4, 2023Leave a comment

Text Free Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28. How many times have we reflected upon or claimed that verse over our own lives? How many are the troubles we have endured when we pull this promise out of the pocket of Scripture to reassure our hearts during tumultuous times?

And, my friend, why would we not? This, as with too many promises to name, support us through the many difficult situations we face. They fill our hearts with a hope that we may not physically be able to see, yet through faith in Him, our faith in God’s promises let us know our hope is not without a firm foundation. Our hope has its source in One.

One who never fails. One who will not suffer one jot or tittle to fall without the performance of what was written and hoped for, Matthew 5:18.

Our hope is in Him who took it all upon His person that He might secure it all for our person.

The cup would not go down like sweet juice, Matthew 26:42. It was filled with bitterness. It was filled with hurt. It was filled with wrath. It was filled with the sin of humanity. Jesus Christ would drink every drop, leaving no remnant of moisture behind in the cup, for it was for complete salvation – it was to be the complete offering He has come to this moment in time.

Our Lord did not forsake the cup that was given to Him. He drained its contents upon His very life, counting God’s will to be higher, determining the Father’s will to be accomplished above all.

The drowsy disciples saw Him praying. They feel the earnestness of His resolve and soul. Even the three closest to Him still could not wrap their heads around the contents of that cup He drank. So, they slept.

Nevertheless, He submits wholly to emptying its fullness upon His life.

There was one who cared not about the suffering in the cup He drank. This one’s focus was on selfish gain. Going to the private place where Jesus shared close companionship with His disciples, a place usually of respite has now become a place of betrayal and a kiss would be the telling sign.

“Hail, master,” he spoke as if this were an ordinary day of greeting. As if subterfuge was not in his heart, Matthew 26:49.

He made his deal. The silver jingled in his pockets as he embraced the One who could give him riches in glory untold, Matthew 26:14-16.

“Friend, wherefore art thou come?” Jesus questioned, Matthew 26:50. Both of these men have arrived at this place in the garden at this point in history. Each is there though to fulfill very different purposes. Judas has come in selfishness. Jesus has come in selflessness.

Jesus has come to “seek and to save that which was lost” Luke 19:10. He has come to this point in time to “give his life a ransom for many” Mark 10:45. Their reasons for being there on that night are as vastly separated as heaven and hell. Judas wants to finance an earthly kingdom or himself. Jesus Christ has come to build a Kingdom not made with hands, 2 Corinthians 5:1.

To His disciples, He often taught on the nearness of the kingdom of God (Matthew 10:7; Mark 1:15). Parables were told to give those who would listen, not just with their ears, but with their hearts, a clearer glimpse into who would be in that kingdom and what it would be like (Matthew 13:24-53; Luke 18:16).

Securing souls for the Kingdom, and giving mankind a fighting chance, was the reason for this pivotal moment in this garden of conflict.

This conflict that brought so much pain to total innocence was not without purpose. As horrible as this night appeared, and as horrific the events which followed would be, Jesus knew that God would work something good, even out of this evil. It was “for the joy that was set before him [He, Jesus] endured the cross. . .” Hebrews 12:2.

Christ had many joys to look forward to when this was all over, but one of His greatest joys, I believe, is to see the Kingdom full of believing saints. Hearts, who in their lifetime, believed and surrendered, will pass through those heavenly gates.

Jesus did not come to earth for Himself. He did not go before multitudes to convince them of a better way for Himself. He did not climb Calvary’s cross and submit to death for Himself.

No. No. A thousand times, NO! But for you. For me. For us, He became “the way, the truth, and the light” John 14:6. For people such as us, He was the greatest gift of love manifested, John 3:16.

He became sin that we might be freed from sin, (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 2:2; Hebrews 9:28). He became our precious Lamb of God, 1 Corinthians 5:7.

The cup that was filled with wrath opened the gate for forgiveness and restoration. The kiss of betrayal put in motion the events that led to the cross. And it is at the cross, you will find the Key to the Kingdom.

This Was God’s Doing! | God is the Creator of All

February 20, 2023February 20, 2023Leave a comment

Image by Barbara Jackson from Pixabay

“For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water.” 2 Peter 3:5

We all have a choice in what we choose to believe or not. God is not going to arm-wrestle someone into faith. God has blessed every human being with free will. With that, they choose to follow Him or not.

“Willingly,” as stated above, implies that truth or no truth, those being referenced will not comply. Their minds are made up to purposely follow their own ideas, their own beliefs, the dictates of their own heart, and a life of sin. Their ignorance will not allow them to believe in the order of Creation as it was written in the Bible. For too long man has opposed God’s grand truth and has tried to whittle it down to his own finite theories and ideas on how the world came to be.

But we read in Scripture, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). All of creation begins with God: “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2).

Before God stepped in there was just chaos. He is the one “who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain” (Psalm 104:2). Can a man even fathom catching one star that falls from the sky, let alone stretching out the “heavens” with galaxy upon galaxy and universe upon universe?

God can.

In the beginning, all He had to do was speak a word and creation obeyed and came into existence. All that is in the sky, that looks like a cosmic “curtain” twinkling above our heads is because God is the one who made it to be so.

Peter addressed this truth in a rebuttal against the voice of scoffers and those who refuse to believe that by the very “word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water.”

This was God’s doing, he insisted! Nothing that we see in this world today existed, nor did it evolve from some microscopic species. But on the third day of creation, referencing Peter’s point above, God said, “Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together in one place, and let dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering of together of the waters called he seas: and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:9-10).

Although the order of creation is apparent and evident some still choose to disbelieve and remain ignorant. But, the apostle Paul comes in and says this doesn’t excuse them. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:20).

In the book of Genesis, we read the day-by-day detailed account of the story of Creation. All life begins and ends with God. Acts 17:24, 28 says, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands . . . For in him we live, and move, and have our being.” He has the power to give breath (Genesis 2:7) and He has the power to take away breath (Psalm 104:29).

All of creation, man and beast, land, and those things that are in the sea and sky, are here because God made it so. Many may try to refute this truth and remain ignorant of the fact, but this was God’s doing and His creative credit cannot be attributed to any other, nor can it be ignored.

Everything you need . . .

February 15, 2023February 6, 2023Leave a comment

As we are walking this day, we are walking in His might. We are moving according to God working in us and through us. Even if we feel like we don’t have it all together or are not strong enough, we are leaning on His strength. Everything that you need to help you in the fight and made it through can be found in the power and strength of our God. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Ephesians 6:10

Many hearts are in need . . .

February 13, 2023February 6, 2023Leave a comment

Father God, we are praying for people everywhere. There are many hearts in need right now. There are many struggles that our friends, family, and saints are dealing with. We are praying today for a touch from You. We are praying that You would step in and meet their needs in the way that only You can. We are praying for peace and comfort to saturate the atmosphere of hearts, homes, and lives. We know that there is nothing that is impossible for You, O God, and we lean and trust in Your mighty power and Your outstretched arms to heal and deliver. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, AMEN!

A Beautiful Morning Scripture Promise

February 10, 2023February 6, 2023Leave a comment

A beautiful morning Scripture promise: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11