Recognize Your Training

It is God who arms me with strength
   and keeps my way secure.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
   he causes me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle;
   my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You make your saving help my shield,
   and your right hand sustains me;
   your help has made me great.
You provide a broad path for my feet,
   so that my ankles do not give way.
Psalms 18:32-36 (NIV)

There will be battles. My youngest son and I have been watching the History Channel and the world wars has been the subject. One of the observations I had was that great leaders, great generals prepare their soldiers, not just lead them. In the same way, Christ, our leader trains us. In a way each trial, each testing of our faith is a preparation for the next trial. 

Sometimes I think my problem is that I look at each trial as a depletion of spiritual energy rather than a training and strengthening of my inner being in Christ. Proper exercise may get me tired at the moment but, in the end strengthens me. Likewise, the trials Christ has brought me through prepare me and strengthen me for the battles ahead. 

Stop for just a moment and let the Spirit of God remind you of what your recent "training" has been...what has God been strengthening? Be careful to not get fixated on what you think the issue is but discern what you have been learning. I have been going through some trials/training and I have been fixated on the idea that I needed to learn to hold my tongue (which I do). But, that has not really been what I have been learning. My "training" has more to do with dealing with new challenges that put everyone around me in chaos. 

How are you being strengthened?

To Grow and Know

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 

II Peter 3:18

It all starts with grace. Grace leads to relationship. 

Peter doesn't say to grow in our ability to pray, to witness, to memorize scripture or to do good deeds. Those are all good things and spiritually beneficial. But, he does not point us to this we have to do. He directs us to focus on the grace we have in Christ and the relationship that grace affords.

Knowing Jesus Christ is personal. We know him as Lord because he is and we know him as Savior because that is what he did. The Lord of all things, came to earth, lived as a man, died for our sins, rose again and sits at the right hand of the Father ever living to intercede on our behalf. 

Growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ is not mere facts. Reading the Bible is not about being able to say that you know the Bible, it is about being able to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we are in the middle of a trail knowing Christ enables us to discern God's hand. Sometimes that is simply acting on the truth that even though we can't see what God is doing at the moment, we know he promised to work all things for the good. He is Sovereign and he is gracious. 

Father, help us to grow in our knowledge you, our Lord and Savior. Praise be to you in us today!

IT WILL FEEL BETTER LATER

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:10-11 (NIV)

I have been pretty busy lately. One thing that I have neglected is my personal fitness. I finally got in a little exercise this past week. I feel a bit better. You see, I have seen the result of exercising. I know that if I keep a consistent routine I will be healthier and feel better all around. 

I know this is a bit of a stretch trying to connect the idea of exercising and I Peter 5:10-11, but, let's go with it. Yesterday I was getting in a little cardio. My left calf muscle kept cramping up a little. When I got home and stretched, drank some water and relaxed, I felt a lot better. The connection is that in our lives we may suffer for a while, but, God himself will restore us and make us strong. In the same way that exercise can make us stronger, trials make us stronger in Christ. 

Whatever the trial you are going through know that God's plan is to bring you through it and then restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 

Father, bring us through our trails, restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast. Praise be to you in us today!

PASSING THE TRIAL TEST

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 (NIV)

A friend of mine struggled for a long time with the loss of his mother. He just couldn't believe that God let his mother die. It was a real barrier to his growth as a Christian. Until he came to grips with the ugly truth that because of sin we all die he found it difficult to trust God. 

Trials happen. Temptations will cross your path. Even Christ was tempted (Matthew 4). God does have a purpose for our trials. God's purpose is to mature us, to make us Christlike. 

Lately I have been going through a few trials that affect me and I have absolutely no control over them. All I can do is wait upon God. All I can do is trust that he is Sovereign and in control of everything. I can respond in love. I can respond with grace. I can act in faith. 

In the end, by his grace,  I hope for a crown of life. 

Father, help us to stand the test. Strengthen us in you. Praise be to you in us today!