We usually measure the quality of our life through the inverse proportion of difficulties. In other words, when we are not facing problems then we are doing well. Now, I'm not one to welcome difficulties into my life because they are, by definition, difficult. But God has this way to turning everything we think is one way in this age upside down.
One place he does that is through the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:
10 "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, I am strong."
The word "content" means "to think well of, approve, take pleasure in, be willing."
Why should I think well of something that brings me pain? The key is at the beginning of the verse and at the end. "For the sake of Christ" - Jesus was content to suffer for our sins and told us that we would also suffer, but that we could take heart because He killed death and overcame our greatest enemy. We should be willing to suffer for Him because He suffered for us.
Secondly, at the end of the verse it says "when I am weak, I am strong." How is that possible? When we are weak then we must reach out to God for strength, and trusting and relying on Him more is better because it opens up channels for us to become more like Him.
Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame," why? "For the joy set before Him." (Hebrews 12:2). The joy set before you is the peace and healing and eternal abundant life of Jesus flowing in and through you. You can, like Jesus, "despise" (which means "to think against") the shame and weakness while looking forward to what He is doing.
Things are terrible - isn't that awesome? God is at work and His work is good.
Pastor Tom
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1 comment:
Great word Tom. I believe that during these current and coming difficult times, we are going to see the Lord do wonderful things.
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