Is there not a reason?
The clip arts forwarded by a Pastor friend in Brazil inspired me to write briefly what I have constantly preached about in my local Church. To many believer thorns and trials are foreign things that must not befall a Christian even though there are many passages of the scriptures that tells us the inevitability of such. The bible says that many are the afflictions of the righteous one, but the Lord delivers them from all. If you can't see this clipart, permit me to quickly explain. It was about a man carrying a cross with others on a journey. This particular man out of others complained to God three times regarding the burden and weight of it.
This three times he asked God he would like to cut down the length of the cross, but without any response from God, he went ahead and shortened the cross three times. This action invariably made it easy for him to carry his cross overtaking his counterparts and whistling happily to himself as he forged ahead of them all. He eventually came to a deep valley, and needed to cross to the other side to get to his destination. Whilst he stood there meditating on what to do, those he left behind caught up with him and used their crosses as a bridge to cross over to get to their destination. Unlike our man they endured the burden of their cross, and got to their destination!
There is a cycle of pain or trial that we need to complete in life without taking a Short cut. This is the period that I call a period of 'Character Formation'. It is a period or a process of character development that prepares us for the tasks ahead. Your attitude at this period will determine whether or not you will be ready for the next level of promotion God is preparing you for. This will also test your ability to stand under pressure.
As Christians, we need to come to a resolute acceptance that there are some thorns that we need to live through; and yet believe that amidst the thorns, we can still fulfil our purpose and get to our destiny. Apostle Paul was a prime example of a Christian with thorn who cried out to God 3 times for deliverance. God's response to his cry is still very much relevant to the today's Christian.., 'My grace is sufficient for you.., for my strength is made perfect in your weakness'. The acknowledgement of our weakness is the beginning of intervention of Gods strength. When we are totally consumed on doing things in our ability, this is when we complain through it all and fail to recognise the purpose for such thorn or cross as it may be. I am sure you will agree with me when I say that Apostle Paul was still fulfilled amidst his thorn.
The bible says; in 1 Cor 10:13 'No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.'
Please note that the way of escape promised here is that '... You may be able to bear'.
This means God will enable you to go through with the affliction so that having completed all obedience, you will be able to stand, and be complete. It is a cycle you are destined to complete without a 'human' short cut. You have been prepared for it.
The bible after all did say that all things work for good for those that love the Lord and are working according to his purpose,
Note the bible did not promise us that all will be good, but in the not so good situation, it will eventually work out for your good.., if you are working according to the 'purpose' of God.
Ask yourself all along in the midst of all you trials, thorns, and cross carrying; what and whose power have you been using? Your strength or God's strength? It stands to reason then when God said to Apostle Paul.., '... my strength is made perfect in you weakness. As believers we must come to a place of acknowledging our feebleness and weaknesses outside of God and, completely surrender our dealings to Him for Him to step in. In as much as we muscle up our human strength as suppose to God's, what we are constantly saying to God is we are able to handle things ourselves. But God is saying to us that as long as we are still strong in ourselves, He cannot step in.., for His strength can only be perfected when we recognise and acknowledge our weakness.
Carry your thorn and cross with God's purpose today and allow Him to take you through without your shortcut, but His enabling power to go through.
Stand firm, take courage. 1 Peter 4:11: 'If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever Amen'.
Till we meet again.., Be Envisioned
Shalom
PT
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