Thought for the Day:
This is from Os
Hillman’s on-line devotional (9/9/2014) Today God is First:
James 1:9 “The brother in humble circumstances ought
to take pride in his high position.”
“Whenever God takes a saint to a very lowly state it is designed
to accomplish something only that process can do. Job learned that "He
reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the
light" (Job 12:22). Job's trials allowed him to learn
things about God, himself and his friends that we all needed to know as well.
He assumed things about God that he had to recant: "Surely I spoke of
things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know" (Job
42:3).
God reveals things in the dark places of circumstances that will
be used to reveal something He wants you and others to know. He has sent you
ahead to learn these things so that you and others will benefit from your
unique experience. God views this place where you receive these truths as a
high position. The world views it as a place to be despised.
"He called down a famine on the land and destroyed all their
supplies of food; and he sent a man before them - Joseph, sold as a slave. They
bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he
foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true" (Psalms
105:16-19). Joseph was also led to this high position. It was here he was
prepared to be the most powerful man in the world as a thirty-year old. He learned
many things about God during his captivity that was used later as a ruler over
a nation.
So, if you find yourself in a lowly state, realize your lowly
state is considered a high position by God that is preparation soil for
revealing deep things from the dark places that God desires you to learn.”
While reading this devotional, I thought of the difficult places
that I have been through in the last year.
Then I began recalling the exceedingly difficult struggles that some of
my friends have gone through. You’ve
probably have gone through some rough patches in the past year as well. It is nice to know that there can be some
purpose or benefit that comes from our experiences.
I know that many people go through terrible times; but not
everyone comes out on the other side better, wiser, or finds something positive
in the midst of trouble. Some people
become bitter and angry. What is the difference? Why do some people grow in adversity and
others are crushed by it?
I believe that much of the difference is due to our attitude and
core beliefs. Those who benefit from their
difficulties seem to keep a positive attitude.
“I may not be able to do everything; but I am going to enjoy everything
that is possible for me despite the limitations placed upon me.” When trouble comes our way it is natural to
focus upon what is happening to us; but I purposively choose to not focus
solely about what’s wrong in my life—I spend more time rejoicing over the positives
instead.
Secondly, I think those who rise above the challenges of life have
a deep, abiding faith and trust in God.
I know that it is a constant source of comfort and strength for me
personally. Knowing that God loves me
and allows certain things into my life for the purpose of training or
benefiting me helps me to reframe what I am encountering. These are bad accidents without purpose or
any redeeming value. God may not have
caused them; but He will find a way to use them for my benefit and for His
glory. If I choose to respond to Him,
trusting in His love and relying upon His strength, my troubles will not
destroy me—they will strengthen and improve me.
I’ve got to admit that over the last ten months, I’ve learned a
lot about God and about myself. I think
that I am a better person because of it.
My relationship with God has been renewed and refreshed. I’m healthier—mentally, spiritually, and
physically—than I have been in quite some time.
I still have a long way to go on the road of self-improvement; but I am
making progress.
Most of us would never willingly choose to go down the path of
disaster; but each of us has a choice of how we are going to respond when it
comes our way. We can start by how we choose to respond to
the daily little difficulties that life brings our way. Choose to allow them to make you better
instead of bitter. Get in the habit of
focusing in on the positive results instead of the negative ones. Begin practicing how you want to respond when
“the big wave hits” bringing massive destruction into your life. Trust that God has a purpose and a plan. Believe that He loves you and wants to see
you grow and develop as a person. Have
faith in Him.
Even when you don’t have the strength or courage to overcome what
you are facing, dig deep and find it within yourself to just take the next step
forward. And then take one more
step. And another. One step towards your goal will eventually
get you there if you just keep on striving.
No comments:
Post a Comment