MUSTARD SEED THOUGHTS #11

We are constantly faced with people and problems. We hear of struggles, plights, disappointments, failures, difficulties….you name them. The scary thing is when these problems turn to blame. Many immature believers usually blame God for their predicaments. We have seen so many who start their faith strong. Midway when calamity hits them, they give up and blame God for this mishap. Problems and difficulties in life are not respecter of persons. We have faced difficult patches and phases in life. This is where the testing comes. How do we see clear perspectives when everything seems so dark and dreary? How do we see the big picture when we can’t even see the light at the end of the tunnel?

The Apostle Paul is the first person who will totally agree with us that Christian living is not a walk in the park. Many people who come into the faith, hope for an easy living and instantaneous solutions to their problems. Unfortunately, this does not happen. Instead, living as a Christian is more difficult than a non Christian during trying times. How do we continue to put our faith in God when the answers are not forthcoming? Paul’s answer: “ Since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.” 2 Cor 4:1. In other words, do not give up!

Paul continues:
“ We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus Christ, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our bodies “ 2 Cor 4:8-10 …….” For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God “ 2 Cor 4:15

This is the difficult part: how do we see difficulties are ‘for us’? Paul calls them ‘light afflictions’. 2 Cor 4:17 If we continue to focus on the bad and the darkness, we fail to see the light. Paul repeats the phrase “….therefore we do not lose heart….even though our outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day. “ 2 Cor 2:16.

If we can see in right perspectives, these are for us. Joseph’s life was full of difficulties: Thrown into the pit, sold to Egypt, faced false accusations, locked up in prison for something he did not do….how can one see goodness out of these situations? Joseph believed God orchestrated the whole thing as he attributed everything to God. Gen 45:7-9. “ God sent me here….God made me a father to Pharoah ….God made me lord of all Egypt. “ God did all these FOR him. Hard to believe!

Destiny and purpose are realized when we allow God to work in us even when we live through hard times. We need to (1) Trust Him – totally (2) Treat circumstances with seeing things from His perspective (3) Thank Him – for the work that He has begun in us. When we die, we live: that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 2 Cor 4:10. The purpose of God is being unveiled in us daily. Something happens inside. It is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor 4:17. If we are going through a rough patch, look out. God is working something out for us.