Not Picking on Us, but Perfecting Us

Columbine, the beautiful Colorado state flower ... photographed nestled up close to my brother and sister-in-law's cabin in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. We spent a few hours at this cabin yesterday during some free time amidst twelve days of staff conference in nearby Fort Collins. 

So perfect, and so beautiful ... these flowers have weathered the changing Colorado weather. Some days gorgeous, sunny days (as when we visited my brother and sister-in-law), and other days carrying sudden mountain rains and storms.

And this morning, our executive director shared from his heart about storms, and about perfection. 

How often do we shrink away from difficult times, from the storms that continue to come our way? Life is full of storms, of difficulties, of heartaches. And our natural tendency is to run, wanting to escape. We wonder if God is picking on us by allowing such things into our lives.

But as our director said this morning ... when difficulties come, remember that "God is not picking on me, but perfecting me". 

Difficulties and trials teach us to be totally dependent on God, and not to depend on ourselves. When things go as we have planned, it is easy to become self-sufficient. But when we are faced with desperate situations, we cry out to God in our brokenness, and we are given glimpses of His love and strength that we never would have been able to see otherwise. The Israelites experienced this when they were faced with great difficulty ...

"He did it to teach you that people

 do not live by bread alone; 

rather, we live by every word that comes  

from the mouth of the Lord." 

(Deut. 8:3b)

Loving Lord, though I so often want to run from trials, I also thank You that trials teach us how much we need You. Without You we have nothing, and with You we have all that we need. So in a present day trial that we are going through, I will take the next step, and I will hold on to You and Your Word. And I will be right where You want me to be ...

"Keep walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart. I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak ... All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction." 

(Jesus Calling)

Linking up with others at Brag on God Friday's

And with kindred hearts at Soli Deo Gloria