Our struggles are God’s training program
Recently I was pondering my own life. Specifically, I was going through it year by year, to see what lessons I could learn. Also to spot patterns, to see where God might be leading me.
I spotted a few patterns. Two patterns, actually. Two patterns that have been consistent in my life up until now. Both of these things are normally considered negatives. Those that have them tend to gripe about them. Yet, here is the thing. As I pondered these two attributes, I was struck by the realisation that what I was really looking at were two mechanisms that God was using to train me up according to His purpose. When I saw this, I was able to embrace them and thank God for them.
For in Jesus there is a remarkable correlation between the extent of the trials and tribulations that we must face, and the power inherent in our calling. Those who are called of God to a powerful ministry will, like the apostle Paul, be taken through a gruelling regimen of trials. For those who have a “lesser” ministry (as we would judge it), they will have an easier life.
When we fully understand this truth, we need no longer gripe about our struggles, but rather we can embrace them like a brother or sister, knowing that God turns our struggles around for the good.
(This was originally published at my other blog a while back. It is reproduced above with a few alterations. Waddaya gonna do about it?)
themolk said,
May 24, 2007 at 8:39 am
I hear you, Markk… when “I” fail, it’s all about how crap I am and how good God is… all too often, though, when “you” fail it’s “look at how crap they are”. Sometimes, and particularly within church walls, very little of the grace offered us by the redeeming God is extended to our brothers and sisters who are also on the journey…
Pete Aldin said,
May 24, 2007 at 2:51 pm
John Elderedge has a terrific perspective on this. What we often see as repeated failure or too-hard basket or the devil beating up on us is ACTUALLY God’s grace in bringing us through to a new level of being/character/capability/perpsective and to a new knowledge of and dependence of him. The hard stuff is actually kindness, making us what we were always meant to be.
This is a great post Mark. To indeed THANK God for the crappy stuff is the beginning of maturity and contentment and the rising of the image of Christ in us.
Markk said,
May 24, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Thanks for the comments. Although I first wrote this a while back, I find it’s good to remind myself of this. Remember, God is thinking long term! So should we.