"As we pass beneath the hills which have been shaken by the earthquake and torn by convulsion, we find that periods of perfect repose succeed those of destruction. The pools of calm water lie clear beneath their fallen rocks, the water lilies gleam, and the reeds whisper among the shadows; the village rises again over the forgotten graves, and its church tower, white through the storm twilight, proclaims a renewed appeal to His protection "in whose hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also." --Ruskin"
Taken from one of my favorite devotions today with the verse of scripture from Job 5:18; "He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth and HIS hands make whole." While we journey here, mere travelers making our way to see HIM face to face. As strangers in this place, we are called to reflect HIS grace, light and truth to a world estranged and lost to God our Creator and King.
On this journey, we will endure pain and suffering that takes many forms. Emotional, physical and mental to name a few general categories. As we testify and confess God and His Son Jesus Christ to a world in desperate need of salvation, we will be scorned and ridiculed for our beliefs. The religious leaders of Christ's day sought to kill Him at every possible turn and ultimately He gave His life for us.
As we live out our lives for His glory and honor, men will stand against us and against Christ for whom we stand. What we miss when the trails, tribulation and testings come is God has but one purpose once we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior: to make us like Christ. While Jesus told us to go and make disciples of men, God works to make us in Christ's image.
We are God's workmanship. He will see us through to completion. God desires that all mankind is returned to a right relationship with Himself. Apart from Christ, we cannot and this is God's work. We must submit and be available to HIM for His purposes and like the ball of clay in the potter's hand, be willing to be formed in HIS image.
God loves us and wants the very best for us in this life. Pain and suffering comes with the journey. It is for our good that these things will come to pass in our life. While I've written all about the "negative" side of our journey. We must not loose sight of the goal and also realize that we do get to enjoy the moments of peace and rest that come along after the times of suffering.
Fullness of life will have valley and mountain top experiences for everyone. Life doesn't favor one person over the other. Everything "good and bad" takes place in the life of all who live. The difference for us as Christians is that we know our redeemer and believe that HE alone provides us. HE makes the roughness of life bearable and the peace sweeter. My purpose is found in HIM and in HIM is found everything needed to live life abundantly.
Blessings & Peace
~Robert
No comments:
Post a Comment