Suffering
It is necessary to suffer. I wrote an entry about this very idea. The idea that God is always working out his will in our lives in big way when we endure hardships & struggle through those times. I found verses that speak to that very idea.
2 Corin 1:3-12 - The summary of this is the fact that we share in Christ's sufferings so that we can share in His comfort. His comfort is comfort in a future salvation with Him in heaven. We go through struggles so that we can grow & learn more about putting ourselves last. To humble us.
Submission
I have recently been thinking about how badly I submit to my authorities. Those authorities range from my employer, my president and my pastor. I always have ideas about improvement. I get angry & frustrated when, "how dare they not take my idea!"
Romans 13:1 - Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The important lesson that I have learned is that GOD has placed authority in many different situations. It is MY job to support & submit to those people. It is NOT my job to question them, or become angry if they have not taken my idea. I need to respect them. Not make it more difficult.
Surrender
This has been a tougher lesson to learn. I'm not 100% sure how to fully surrender my heart over for this hope & desire. Or even ANY hope & desire.
For those who really know me, know that I am a really strong willed person. I've struggled with submitting to my leadership. Trusting in others & letting them make the mistakes. I know that even if I surrender & submit that won't keep me from suffering. That is ultimately the thing that I am dealing with. I try my hardest to keep up an easy life. But no matter what I do - I will suffer. People will hurt me. Sin will distroy. I will sin. But after all is said & done. The only thing that counts is my faith in what Christ did for me on the cross. The grace & mercy He gives me even when I mess up. Now the ultimate question is...Do I trust that God has His best in store for me? Is He working out His plan in my life? Will I get to go to the "Land of Milk & Honey"? If yes, then I have to try surrendering my will & let Him bring this hope to fruition.
Either I surrender my will, or He may MAKE me surrender my will. In this case, it's worse to ask for forgiveness - especially when He has told me what I need to do.
Let's watch in wonder to see what He does in my life. Will you pray for me? God may do something AMAZING if we just abide in Him...
Blessings to you.
