Refer to STEP 10: I choose to believe God still has a purpose for my life—a purpose for good and not evil.
I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.
—Christopher Reeve
Watching The Passion of Christ, I think of the events leading to the Lord’s death. As I do, I can definitely identify with one aspect of it. It’s when Christ asked if there was any way He could do God’s will, while circumventing the Cross.
Like everybody else, I want my circumstances and challenges to be easier—substantially easier. Obviously, there’s no real comparison between my trivial problems and dying for the sins of Mankind, but being faithful to God’s will still isn’t easy. Regardless of who you are or what your lot may be, life can be difficult.
At the same time, the Scriptures teach us that we will never be stretched beyond our endurance or our capabilities. Intellectually, I believe this is true, but it seems God’s perspective about my capabilities is too high. He constantly stretches me far beyond my comfort zone. Most of the time, I wish He wouldn’t. I want Him to use me, but in a nice way—not in a hard way.
From the depth of my being, however, I have an understanding that my life is not destined to be easy. As I’ve come to realize this, pursuing His ways—at the expense of my own—is always a stretch. I suspect that’s because God has such a huge investment in me, as He also has in you.
He’s determined to use each of us as He sees fit, and that’s why we are capable of having joy, even when our lives are filled with difficult circumstances.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Very relevant Jack. Thanks.