Bjcorbin's Blog

There is a very human tendency to avoid discomfort of any kind, but the reality of our existence is that we aren’t likely to change until we absolutely have to.  Thus, it often takes adversity to bring about a significant transformation.  For those who count themselves as followers of Christ, we must grapple with the knowledge that Jesus (a man of perfect faith) learned obedience from the things He suffered (Heb.5:8), and that what is pleasing to the flesh is not pleasing to the Spirit (Gal.5:17).  Western culture aspires to create a pain-free existence, which fundamentally works against the process of spiritual growth.  Indeed, it is in the midst of a situation we cannot hope to control that we are most likely to cry out for help; it is the circumstance that we cannot wrap our hands around that we are most apt to release to God; and it is in those moments when there is no earthy wisdom to calm our anguish that we are best positioned to receive the words of life.  Despite our ardent desire to avoid anything that might challenge our perception of prosperity, it is in the midst of our weakness that His strength is made perfect (2Cor.12:9), and it is a broken and contrite heart that He honors (Psalm 51:17, Isa.66:2).  Most often, it is only when our capabilities are completely overwhelmed that we can achieve a thorough and genuine level of surrender.  But for those who emerge on the other side of such experiences, the reality of who God is, and of our place in Him are forever changed.

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