If You're Ready to Learn, You'll Learn

Many nations will come and say, 
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
   to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
   so that we may walk in his paths.
”The law will go out from Zion,
   the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Micah 4:2  NIV

You can't get there, until you go there. It won't get done until you do it. I know those sound a bit oversimplistic but, sometimes simple truths are quite profound. 

If I want to be taught by the Lord I better read the Bible and go to church. The Bible starts in Genesis and ends in Revelation. Sow the Word of God into your heart and mind and the Spirit of God will teach you. He speak to you alone and through other people. Here's the deal: You will be taught when you allow yourself to learn.

Seek to be taught and you will learn. Maybe not the lessons you want in the order you feel comfortable, but, God will teach us his ways.

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?

In Prison or Abundance God is God

Praise our God, all peoples,
   let the sound of his praise be heard;
he has preserved our lives
   and kept our feet from slipping.
For you, God, tested us;
   you refined us like silver.
You brought us into prison
   and laid burdens on our backs.
You let people ride over our heads;
   we went through fire and water,
   but you brought us to a place of abundance.
Psalms 66:8-12 (NIV)

Thank you, Father, that even though our trials have been harsh and difficult you have been faithful to bring us through. Help us to remember that even though our own sins sting us, you still are faithful to provide a way out to freedom in Christ. Praise be to you that in the end you will bring us to a place of abundance and work all things for our good. Praise be to you in us today!