Lately, I feel like I've been quick to complain about life. I complain about my back, I complain about the weather, I complain about my trials, I complain about not having a new, non-gross, rug in the living room... I was getting fairly good at it, even.
I am coming out of a very complacent time in my life. After months of walking away from my Bible, of putting God last on my list, and making more time for anything than Him, I found myself really starting to lose focus. I felt like I was nearing a line that I never wanted to cross. I felt like I could only spur myself on for so long with out community, accountability or even some kind of consistent fellowship. But the other day I just woke up and said, "I'm going to try this again, Lord." I do think that is a blessing of being loved by God.
Maybe things are hard in my naive little perspective. Maybe I think the world revolves around me. But I do know one thing, I have no right to be even a little bit upset at how my life is going and what I experience day to day. There are millions of people in this world who are hurting more than I am. They are living in fear or in pain. I just don't consider how "easy" my life really is too often.
A few things have happened this week that have been hard for me. But for the first time in a long time, I've given others the benefit of the doubt, I've graciously been joyous with others as the share great things and I've stopped to consider a more optimistic outlook. I know it's because I've been much more purposeful in my times with the Lord lately. I've began studying the book of Hebrews with the help of a book called, Search the Scriptures. It has been so wonderful!
As I'm trying to get back into the swing of things with the Lord, I can't help but be humbled as He is daily teaching me something. As it turns out, (and usually does with the Lord) it was just what I needed to hear. I read this verse in Hebrews:
"For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings." Hebrews 2:10
Jesus HAD to suffer. It was "fitting" that Jesus suffer to perfect salvation. I can't imagine Jesus having to be any more perfect! Even more, I can't imagine how much I have to suffer to learn and embrace my salvation and Jesus, Himself. How silly to think that my suffering is in vain and out of God's control. If God thought it best for His Son to suffer in this world, than how much more I must endure.
This wasn't where God's sweetness ended. He blessed me with these encouraging words:
"For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." Hebrews 2:18
Wonderful! Jesus is my Aid. He has suffered. He feels my pain and He can encourage me and bless me in ways that no one else can! How sweet that God choose to share all of this with us through His word. We are so blessed that we can find comfort and peace in Jesus and in the life He lived. I'm so grateful for God's word and mostly, His Son
I pray that you'll find comfort in Jesus this week and that He would be your Aid as you endure whatever trial you're experiencing.
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