Something to Gain from Pain

The sprain couldn't be ignored. I'd have to stay off my left ankle for a few days. Ice bags, an ace wrap, and a gel brace became my constant companions. The pain in my ankle paled in comparison to the aching muscles in my back. I hadn't injured my back, but obviously, when I hobbled around I was compensating with muscles I didn't normally use to walk.

Oh how this physical lesson has played out over and over in my spiritual life! When God puts his finger on something that needs attention, quite often He requires me to use spiritual 'muscles' that need to be strengthened. And the 'workout' leaves me sore!

His Word may remind me that an attitude isn't right. I've become critical. Complaining is second nature. I read about the children of Israel who were miraculously delivered from the hand of an evil Pharaoh and the land of Egypt. I shake my head in astonishment, as the story unfolds - clearly the Lord has led them out of bondage, yet when they see that Pharaoh and his army are pursuing them, they lash out at Moses. "And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness," (Exodus 14:11-12; KJV).

How ungrateful can these people be? Then comes the nudge. The still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. I've brought you out of bondage too - why is it that you're complaining about your current circumstances? Ouch! Okay, what do I need to learn here? Time to search out the passages that will correct the problem. It doesn't take long to find verses that deal with my attitude without mincing words, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world," (Philippians 2:14-15).

Time to exert those spiritual 'muscles' that have atrophied. Time to get back to the reason why God saved me in the first place - to bring honor and glory to Him. Not to live a problem-free life that's self-serving. The Philippians passage gets my heart back in gear. When I approach every situation with the right attitude, and avoid complaining, it's UNNATURAL. That's just what the Lord wants. Others will stop and take notice of my positive response, will realize that there's something different about me, and will be pointed to Him.

With my eyes on the Truth, concentrating on one situation at a time, slowly but surely my spiritual 'muscles' gain strength. The process is often slow and painful, but the results are worth the effort - a life that reflects the Lord Jesus Christ!

What spiritual 'muscle' needs to be strengthened in your life? Search for verses that apply to your need and begin applying them to your life today!


Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your still, small voice that loving shows me areas that need attention. Help me to obey Your Truth and begin exercising my spiritual 'muscles' so others will see You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Amazing Love

He spoke the world into existence. Plants and animals appeared at His command. He created man in His own image. Man chose to disobey his Creator. But God made a way for fellowship to be restored. A sinless sacrifice was required. Only Jesus Christ could pay the price. He, "...made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:7-8; KJV). Amazing love!

Over and over, throughout the Bible, God demonstrates His power and love. Only an all-powerful God could deliver the Israelites from the Egyptian ruler, Pharaoh. The children of Israel had been slaves to the Egyptians for four hundred, long years. Using His servant Moses, God freed the people and brought them to the banks of the Red Sea. All seemed hopeless, until the mighty hand of God, "...caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left" (Exodus 14:21b-22). God cared for His people.

Remember the walls of Jericho? Only a mighty God could cause the walls of a fortified city to fall down flat, using only trumpets and the shouts of people. An amazing feat? Not so much, when you consider an amazing God who is, "long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9b). Before Jericho's walls came tumbling down, one of the cities' residents and her family was rescued: Rahab, her dad, mom, and brethren. Rahab had chosen to believe in the God of the Israelites to the saving of her family. She was convinced of God's love and experienced His provision.

I'm sure the orphan, Esther, never dreamt of being in a beauty pageant, let alone being chosen as the queen of Persia. When she realized the role for which she had been chosen by God, she saw His mighty hand at work. In spite of King Ahasuerus' edict that called for the execution of all the Jews on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, Esther approached him, risking her life to beg for the life of her people. It wasn't that easy, though. You see, what was put into law by the King, could not be revoked under any circumstance. But the King of Kings triumphed. King Ahasuerus issued a decree that the Jews would be able to defend themselves on Adar 13th. God's plan prevailed and as a result, "many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them" (Esther 8:17).

What are you facing today? Remember that the God of the universe is all-powerful. Whatever you think He's capable of, He's capable of more! His love for you is vast and beyond measure. "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). Praise Him today, for His amazing love!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the all-powerful God who loves me. No matter the challenges I face, help me to turn to Your Word that I may re-discover Your greatness. Praise You Lord for who You are!