The Joy of Trouble

Scripture Read: 1 Peter 1:[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  [4] to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,  [5] who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  [6] In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,  [7] that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Application: I wonder where I come down on this issue. Do I deal with my troubles in a way that brings Christ glory, or do I shame Him. Whenever I am put in the fire of testing do I see it only as a burden because that’s the way it feels or do I accept those feelings yet see beyond them and experience the opportunity they bring to bring Him glory? Lord I so desire to spend my life building that which really counts – faith, character, maturity. But I am such a man! God as I go through fire, help me to cling to you and watch you lead me through it. Help me to stand firm in you. Deliver me from using trouble as an excuse to sin. I am so weak Father – but I know what I desire to be deep inside. Watch over me and strengthen me.

It’s a mindset not a mind game

Isaiah 26:1–6 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; He sets up walls and ramparts for security. 2 “Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, The one that remains faithful. 3 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. 4 “Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. 5 “For He has brought low those who dwell on high, the unassailable city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He casts it to the dust. 6 “The foot will trample it, The feet of the afflicted, the steps of the helpless

Application: The idea of steadfastness of mind is so important. We must stand mentally firm, that is where the war is, isn’t it? This is a discipline I find a real dichotomy in my life. On the one hand I have refused mentally to settle for anything less in my life’s calling that is not according to God’s direction. In spite of very hard things that have happened and how some in the body have treated me - I won’t allow myself to quite. But when it comes to sin issues, I find myself being far too circumstantial. I know what is right, but if I am not alert I will blow it. I find a truth from that Steve Green song “I repent” – Though the love for You is in me, it doesn’t always win me when competing with my sin – Until my mindset is fully committed to standing against sin I will continue to play games. Father I want to have that steadfast mind in all that I am. Perhaps I need to be more deliberate in my thought life. God continue to guide me so that I will stand firm mentally in all things, and therefore live in your peace.