Hebrews 12:1-2a

"Let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with Endurance
the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus,
the author and finisher of our faith."
Hebrews 12:1-2a

Monday, April 6, 2015

Stretched and strengthened

One sentence in an article about open doors in the April issue of Home Life magazine caught my attention .....

"Many times an open door from God is one that allows our faith to be stretched and strengthened."

It wasn't just the sentence, but the use of two words - "stretched" and "strengthened" that gave me pause to consider.

All things working together
for good
is God's purpose
for His children,
those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

To accomplish all for God's good,
His children
face a lot of stuff
that's not so good

We are "stretched"
in ways
we'd prefer not
All to grow our faith
and become more like Christ.

Open doors
from God
are opportunities
for advancement
of His Kingdom
but the steps
across the threshold
are not always
pleasant

What God allows
us to pass through
is often filled with
pain
fear
temptation to give in
or give up.

Open doors
from God
may lead us
down paths
of no return
or much heartache

or
it may bring joy
and peace
and love
we may learn patience
encouragement
understanding
discernment
strength
wisdom.

For "when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone." (James 1:2-6a NLT)

We are in a race.
A race for our lives ...
Jim's life. My life.
God is stretching
our faith

Where will we stand ... Where do we stand?
what is our response
for the door God opens
that we did not ask
that we did not seek
that the outcome we do not know.

More than anything
He desires us
to have a personal, ongoing relationship
with Him
ALL the time
day in, day out
moment by moment
He wants us to be like His Son
Jesus, our example
who is
The Way
The Truth
The Life (John 14:6)
When we focus on Christ
for Everything
we are strengthened
We know He is able
We do not question
We believe and accept
and when we more fully understand,
comprehend
what He teaches
and are able to apply
His teachings to our lives,
we witness
and are surrounded by
His Presence
His Holiness
His Peace
His Glory
His Love.