It is easier to identify the baggage of others that it is identifying our own. The road to maturity is coming to grip with our weaknesses -- our sinful selves. It is assessing what is and is not consistent with Christ and asking The Lord for the grace to charge.
Hebrews 12:1,2 . . . let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith . . .
The criteria for our decisions and conduct is what is right in God's eyes. We are to be a people of principal. It is never right to do wrong.
When we turn fully to The Lord and His grace, He can rid us of our baggage, transforming a sinful past into a source of blessing and ministry where He can use us.
God's breaking process is never intended to destroy us, though in the midst of it we might feel as if we are being destroyed. The Lord wants us to trust Him.
Believers in Christ are not spared the difficulties of this life. The Lord causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust alike. Just living in this sin-cursed, evil world has a way of wearing us down.
We must come to realize that God insists on being the Potter and that we be the clay. When we want to be the potter, The Lord has to break us, shape us, and mold us so that He can use us to accomplish His purpose.
Romans 9:20-21 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour and another unto dishonour?
When we are broken, we realize that we are nothing but clay pots, that the power comes from God, and the glory goes to God.
We are not easily given to "letting go and letting God". Why rest in The Lord and wait upon Him when we can rush ahead and take care of the situation our way? Other than God having the right answer, what is truly impossible in the strength of the flesh is entirely possible by the Spirit of The Lord.
Zachariah 4:6 Not by might, not by power; but by my spirit saith The Lord of hosts.
As creatures of habit, we quickly establish patterns in our thinking and how we respond to life. The more we respond to problems "in the Spirit", the more it becomes our nature -- our habit.
When we pray about our trial, it turns out to be much less than anticipated. When facing a crisis or a problem, how do you respond?
God works in circumstances to help us to know His will. He can use people, places and things to speak to us and prod us in positive as well as negative ways.
About ten years ago while living in Arkansas, Gale and I wanted to move to Texas. We had retired and wanted to live close to one of our three children. The major move seemed impossible since we needed to sell our house and find a place to live in Texas. But God proded us along, from one circumstance to another, letting us know it was His will.
Ouy house wasn't quite ready to sell, but God sold it and we didn't even have it listed. With two weeks to move, we "accidentally" were given professional moving boxes. We found the perfect house in Texas with perfect timing. It seemed like God was pushing us along, making it happen in a miraculous way.
God lets you know when you are in His will. He will also let you know when you are not in His will.
What are we living for? Who are we living for? What is real to us? In what or in whom do we believe? What do we value? Are we making the best possible investment with our lives?
There is a price to be paid when we do not value the right things.
Mark 8:36,37 For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
There is more to this life than eating, drinking, sleeping, working, and playing. Someone has said, "This life is merely the dressing room for eternity."
Mark 8:34,35 . . . Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Genesis 32:21-32 records the time Jacob wrestled with God. As he prayed, God's presence became so real to him until suddenly He was real. If he let go, God would leave his prayers unanswered. The struggle lasted all night. In His grace and mercy, God allowed him to work out his fleshly nature and anxieties.
The turning point came when God touched him in the hollow of his thigh, dislocating the ball-and-socket joint. Wailing in pain, Jacob stops wrestling and starts clinging to God. He wouldn't let go until God blessed him.
God gave him a new name (Israel), a new nature, and the assurance to help him conquer the baser elements in his character. Now, that's a blessing. Afterwards, he walked with a limp, a weaker man, yet stronger.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10 . . . for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. . . . for when I am weak, then am I strong.
When we surrender our lives, our wills, our dreams, and schemes to the Lordship of Christ, He gives us a new nature, destiny, and a secure future.
