Have you ever had this happen to you? You are just
getting settled into a routine, getting yourself organized, figuring this thing
called life out, when out of the blue, BAM! (copyright Emeril) something
changes. Maybe its something as common as a fender bender; you know someone
hits you from behind as you turn into Starbucks for a Grande Non-Fat Pumpkin
Spice Latte, w/ light whip, (in case you wanted to buy me one), and your day is
shot. (Yes the Coffee/Starbucks/Espresso pun was intended)
It can be something that simple, and annoying, or
it can be some of the big stuff. You know what I mean, we are surrounded by it.
People lose their jobs with no warning, health problems set back your dreams,
hopes and finances. There has been an increase of young males dying early
because of hypertension, caused by high blood pressure... Pressure, it is all
around us. Transitions always bring pressure.
Paul says in II Corinthians that the "light
afflictions come to bring in our lives a greater weight of glory". Could
it be that the pressure we are feeling today, the inconveniences we are
tolerating are purposefully and strategically designed to transition us to a
greater level of "glory", the new carrier we have been too scared to
pursue before, the ministry we have been too "successful" to start?
Could it be that the transitions we are in are not just an accident, but have
been designed to bring God's purpose and plan into our lives?
I think this is exactly the case. The Bible says that
if you love God, everything works together for your good. That everything means
everything - the job loss, the helpless feeling you have right now, the
fender-bender, the spilled cup of coffee on your new shirt, the seemingly
mundane irritations of life - all things work together for our good.
I know in my life that is exactly how it has been.
When I was the most irritated, and the most troubled by an irritation or
situation, God was working in the background for a greater and eternal weight
of glory, he was working out my purpose. It was a set back that ultimately
brought Deidre and I back to Hot Springs. Had it not been for a “set-back” I
would not have been desperate enough to ask God what He had in mind for us. I
had already begun to devise a plan, but God had something different in mind,
and the pressure got my attention.
I challenge you today, when the irritations come,
and they will, stop cursing them and hating them (at least for a moment) and
look around at what is happening. Maybe, just maybe, God is applying pressure
so He can take you closer to fulfilling your purpose. Take a minute right now
to ask God what He is up to in your life...
For more information in James & Deidre Turner,
go to www.encounterchurch.tv
Beautiful.
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