Monday, February 26, 2007

P4E.012 Joy

"Physical circumstances are given by God to teach us spiritual lessons...Our every day "problems" are custom designed by God to reveal attitudes within our spirits."
Ken Nair - Life Partners
www.lifepartners.org

In my pursuit of Christ, I have to ask myself some important questions:

Is it possible that in every physical problem I face there is a correlative spiritual lesson to be learned?

Could it be that "trials" are meant to help me re-evaluate my ability to handle life?

Is it possible that the "physical circumstances" that confront me may reveal an attitude of self-sufficiency (pride)?

Are these problems really tests that God is providing for me to evaluate my quest for Christ-likeness?

Could it be that these every day "problems" are meant to help me to the humble realization that I'm weak and that I need a Saviour?

What should my attitude be when the next problem comes my way?

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4

Blessings,
Kim

2 comments:

  1. Some problems are surely God's way of backing us into the corner where we can sit and finally reflect.

    But others, I believe, are the consequences of our sin and neglect. Surely, physical problems often fit in this category. The sad part is that we sometimes blame God for the suffering we have brought on ourselves.

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  2. Exactly, LL. I don't think that these two possibilities are mutually exclusive. Whether we look at "problems" as consequences of our own sin and neglect or God trying to teach us a spiritual lesson they point to one thing: He cares about us enough to either allow them to happen or to actively intervene.

    I'm even questioning our use of the words "problem" and "blame" because they cast a negative light on what Scripture calls "trials" (meaning "tests"). If I can see God's purpose in actively or passively intervening in my life as His way of drawing me closer to Him, if these occurences test and strengthen my spirit, there truly is cause for joy when I encounter them.

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