The word says
we are to rejoice when we experience various trials…Ok that’s great and all but
are we ready to lay our rights down in order to really experience the journey God
has for us as we walk through the valley.
Often times we think we don’t deserve to go through hard times and we do
everything in our power to remain comfortable and safe. If we consider that we are missing out on
some of the depths of God would we be willing to walk through more trials in
order to understand the living God better.
It is definitely easy to say we know God characteristics (He is
loving, patient, joyful, kind ect…) and it is another to walk through a trial
and still know He is true to His word and is faithful. Consider it all joy, my
brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your
faith produces endurance. And let
endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing. James 1: 2-4 I think it is a process
to come to terms with the fact that we are not owed anything and really have no
rights. We judge what is fair and just
when we are not the judge. Jesus laid
down His rights as King on earth to die at the feet of His enemies for us, so
why do we think we are entitled to everything?
Once we lay down our rights on earth we gain everything. We are able to
walk out our inheritance here on earth because we don’t cling to the illusion
that this world has anything to offer.
To know God
more is becoming a passion of my heart.
I am finding that that needs to be my priority above all else because as
the word says if I am not planted on the rock when trials come I will be tossed
around in the wind. The word also says
to seek the Kingdom of God first and everything will be added on to you. There is a prosperity gospel tantalizing the
average Christians taste buds now but this will never fulfill your heart. When we seek the kingdom it does not mean God
will pour a lot of money in our bank accounts or give us a new car (which He
can do) but we are missing the point.
God wants us to be of sound mind.
What good is a lot of money if you lack peace? What good is a new car
when you are depressed? As I have
examined my heart on the race I have found I have put limits on God and only
have desired for Him to meet my physical needs (food, money, safety). I am finding that He is desperate for a
relationship with me and desires to provide spiritual blessings even more so
than physical. So I challenge my readers
where is your heart? Are you eager for
God to meet your physical needs and missing out on the refining He is trying to
do on your character and the revelations He has for you of His spirit?
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you,
which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were
happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep
on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with
exultation. 1 Peter 4: 12-13
