Preaching to Myself

     One of the things I have the honor of doing at my church is taking notes on my pastor's sermon each Sunday morning and turning them into a study guide for mid-week groups that meet to discuss, study, and pray together.  As I write a summary of what he has taught, I write questions for discussion that the group leaders can use to get people talking about how the sermon applies to their own lives.
     This afternoon as I finished up the notes, I looked at a discussion question that I had written and realized that I probably wrote it for myself.  This was the quote:

"Sometimes we think that a life in Christ means that we should be immune from heartache and difficulties.  Jesus knew the pain that his crucifixion was causing his mother and his disciples, but he also knew what was being accomplished there and the greater joy that would follow.  Can we trust God that a season of difficulty may be in preparation for something greater in our lives?"

 

     After an exciting move to Virginia last November where things worked out beautifully, almost effortlessly, I'm now struggling with problems with my husband's deteriorating health and some financial challenges.  Though I'm an "eternal optimist" and usually make a point of thinking positive, sometimes I have felt like God was absent in my situation.
I've questioned what I might be doing wrong that might be causing my problems.  I've prayed and cried and studied and wondered.  So when I wrote this question today, I finally realized that this is one of those situations where God may be working out something amazing for our future through what we're experiencing in the present.  If even those closest to Jesus had to experience heartache to have the plan of salvation unfold for us all, how much of the negative in my life may just be a prelude to something wonderful?  If Jesus had spared those he loved from the agony of watching him die, where would that leave all of us today?
     I'm going back to what the scripture says about praising God in all things.  Notice that it doesn't say for all things. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

     So in the midst of my circumstances I am thanking God for what is right in my life and for what he is going to do through what is wrong in my life.  Don't misunderstand - I'm still believing God for healing for my husband and provision for my finances because through both of those things we can be more useful and effective in the kingdom of God.  I'm still claiming and confessing victory.  I'm just not going to get bent out of shape about God's timing.
     Those of you who see me or talk to me on a regular basis might have to remind me of these words from time to time if you see me developing an attitude, and if I do - I hope you will.  We all need each other to remind us of the Word and to encourage us when we have trouble seeing the working of God in our lives.
     I think I'll type up this next scripture and tape it to my mirror so that I'll be reminded of it every day.  It's probably one that you need to remember also. I'm excited to see how God works all things together and I pray that I will stay true to the calling on my life so that I can accomplish what His purpose is for me.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.