If we are not careful, our situations can effect our dedication. God is deserving of complete loyalty. Circumstances that confront us in life can cause us to doubt God and even question His person. Matthew 11:1-3, John the Baptist is in prison. He has been faithful to the Lord. He is the one who prepared the way for the Lord. He has been faithul in his preaching and baptism. Yet he is in prison, obedience to Christ doesn't exempt us from difficulty. I know what the TV preachers say. Think about this John is serving God faithfully, he is in jail about to die. He hears about the works of Christ. John says hey ARE YOU THE COMING ONE? Now he starts to question whether or not Jesus is the Messiah. Here I am in jail if you are the Messiah come and get me out. John's situation is creating doubt. John had a misconception of the Messiah's agenda based on his situation. How often do we allow our situations to effect our trust in the Lord. God is only obligated to Himself. Oh how I need to remember this. Who God is should never be determined by what He does for me. This is the height of selfishness and pride. I have been going through quite a bit in the pass few months. I feel I have been trying to be faithful to God's will and His word, and I feel like God should do something. However, His is doing something and He has done something. The problem for me is He not doing what I think He should do. Certainly I know what's best for me? Ever been their? Whatever is happening in the life of a child of God is best. We must learn to want what we have. Most of us want what we don't have. We must grow to be able to say in the words of Apostle Paul, I have learned in WHATSOEVER state to be CONTENT. John never got out of prison until He got his head cut off. Pray that we will learn to love what we have, even the difficulties for they are apart of our growth and development, and that our SITUATIONS don't effect our DEDICATION. We must submitt to our Sovereign Lord and know He only does that which is for our good. Pray that God will give us peace and patience to endure hardness as a GOOD SOLDIER.
FOR HIS GLORY ALONE!
2 comments:
Thank you for today's encouraging message. As I reflect over the years of walking with the Lord, I weep at how often I've missed the mark; how often I've failed the test...Scripture teaches us that Godliness with contentment is Great gain!!! (I Tim. 6:6) I thank our Sovereign God that He is STILL working on me....conforming me to the likeness of our Savior.
Pray for all saints who are growing in the area of contentment.
Thank you for your openess about your "growing pains" in the area of contentment.
As a Preacher of the Gospel, may the Lord Jesus Christ encourage your heart and strengthen you, FOR HIS GLORY - ALONE! (2Thess. 3:3)
A while ago I was going through some rough times and this blog that you wrote really gave me a lot of encouragement! Just wanted to thank the man of GOD!
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