Joy Against The Odds
Anyone who exercises knows that to get stronger, you have to lift weights or exercise your muscles somehow. This lifting strains the muscles and breaks them down. Then after our workout our body rebuilds the broken down muscles and makes them slightly larger. Over time our muscles can get very big because they have been through years of straining and heavy training. This is the desired result from disciplining our bodies and training our muscles.
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Scripture:
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” – Revelation 3:19
Observation/Application:
The Bible tells us that God rebukes and disciplines whose whom He loves. Like our muscles, in life we go through times that strain us and feel like a lot of weight that we are being asked to carry. We may wonder why life is so hard, and why everything just doesn’t go our way. We may question why there are so many obstacles, trials, and challenges. We even think that our prayers are going unanswered.
But if we are being obedient to God and earnestly seeking Him first and continually, then it might be worth considering that our temporary discomfort is just part of God’s perfect plan. And although we might just not like the strain because discipline is hard, and the training is strenuous, in reality God’s plan might just be progressing perfectly. And during these times we need to lean on God more, and trust God more. We need to be open to what God wants to do, and what He wants to happen. And what God wants may not be what we want. It all comes down to trusting God, and putting ourselves and our agenda aside and just letting God do what He is going to do. I know it is easy to say and harder to do, but we just need to trust God more. We need to trust His plan, and trust His outcome.
Life is short. And this ride on earth only goes around once. We can either embrace whatever comes our way and trust God, or we can let every obstacle ruin our day. But since we have so few days as it is, why not choose joy? Joy is a choice, just like misery and struggle is a choice. For the joy of the Lord is our strength. Let us trust in the Lord, for His love never fails and His mercies are new every morning.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. Let your faith build in us Lord that we can be undisturbed by the struggles of this world. Give us the mind of Christ. Renew us, encourage us, lift us up. Wash us clean from the inside out Lord. Purify us. Let your Holy Spirit overflow in us Lord. Let our faith be so strong that noting shakes us Lord. Help us to remain in faith and love, and in pure joy all throughout the day, not matter what life decides to throw our way. We give you all the honor and glory and praise, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
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