RECIPE FOR GREATNESS SERIES 4 -PIVOTAL MOMENTS
Life is full of pivotal circumstances that can range from good to bad, and sometimes even worse. In Romans 8:28-29, the New Living Translation of the Bible emphasizes the idea that God works everything together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This passage highlights the fact that God has a plan for His people, knowing them in advance and choosing them to become more like His son, Jesus. The reading of this scripture reminds us of the importance of trusting God in all circumstances, as it is through these situations that our spiritual growth and development can be achieved.
The relationship between the situations we face in life and our ability to trust God is undeniable. It is through these circumstances that we are molded and shaped to become more like Jesus. While reading the Bible and fasting are important spiritual disciplines, it seems that God often uses the challenges we encounter on a daily basis to refine us. Whether it’s dealing with difficult people, facing rejection, or enduring hardships, each situation presents an opportunity for God to work in our lives and transform us from within.
From encounters with unfriendly doormen to challenging relationships and difficult work situations, life is filled with continuous challenges. These experiences, though tough, serve as opportunities for growth and transformation. By trusting in God and His plan for our lives, we can navigate through these circumstances with faith and perseverance, knowing that He is working all things together for our good. Despite the struggles we face, it is through these trials that our character is refined and our faith is strengthened, ultimately leading us to become more like Jesus.
It appears to me that God desires to utilize circumstances even more than we have discussed. While we have focused on practical teachings and the need to engage with the Bible on a daily basis, it seems that God uses circumstances and situations to draw a parallel. This allows me to connect with what I am going through when I spend time with Him. The Bible teaches that we should pray and depend on God, but it is through circumstances that God communicates with us. It is important to note that when the Bible says “all things,” it truly means all things – the good, the bad, the ugly, and even the not so good. This does not mean that God takes pleasure in bad situations or that He is the author of evil. Rather, God has the ability to use everything, and He is more powerful than the devil. While the devil may use bad situations to harm us, God uses all situations to bring about His glory in our lives.
It is crucial for me to understand that one of the tools God uses to grow my faith and dependency on Him is the things I go through in life. It is not what happens to me that matters, but rather what happens in me. This is a concept that is emphasized in the Bible, as seen in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 verse 7. The apostle Paul, who experienced many challenging situations, serves as an example of someone who allowed God to use his circumstances to strengthen his faith. It is important to recognize that the proof of faith is not living a trouble-free life, but rather being able to command divine presence and grow in the midst of trouble. This means that trouble should not cause me to draw away from God or curse Him, but rather to draw closer to Him and grow in faith.
When we aspire to be used by God and transition from being part of a multitude to becoming a disciple, we should examine the lives of the disciples and apostles. Their lives were not free from trouble, yet they were able to command divine presence and grow in faith despite their circumstances. This demonstrates that the proof of faith lies in being able to grow and change in the midst of trouble, rather than being trouble-free. Therefore, it is essential to focus on what is happening in us, rather than what is happening to us. This mindset allows us to recognize that God can use all situations to bring about His glory in our lives, and that our faith is not determined by the absence of trouble, but by our ability to grow and trust in God
The demonstration of my reliance on God is reflected in my unwavering faith, which is tested through various trials and tribulations. In 2 Corinthians 4:17 from the New International Version, Paul emphasizes the importance of not losing heart despite the outward challenges we face. He highlights the contrast between our physical deterioration and our spiritual renewal, emphasizing that our temporary struggles are paving the way for an eternal glory that surpasses all earthly troubles. This passage encourages believers to focus on the unseen, eternal realm rather than being consumed by what is visible and transient.
The essence of the message conveyed in 2 Corinthians 4:17 is further emphasized in James chapter 1, verses 2 to 4. Here, believers are urged to rejoice in the face of diverse trials, recognizing that these challenges serve to refine their faith and cultivate perseverance. The testing of one’s faith is depicted as a process that leads to maturity and completeness, enabling individuals to become steadfast and lacking in nothing. This translation underscores the significance of embracing trials as opportunities for growth and spiritual development.
The overarching theme that emerges from these passages is the transformative power of trials and tribulations in deepening one’s dependence on God. Whether faced with favorable or unfavorable circumstances, believers are called to maintain a joyful attitude, knowing that each situation presents an opportunity for spiritual refinement. The journey towards maturity and completeness involves embracing challenges with a sense of purpose, recognizing that God can use both positive and negative experiences to draw individuals closer to Him. Ultimately, the process of refining one’s faith through trials is intended to cultivate a deeper reliance on God and a greater sense of spiritual maturity.
I was privileged to hear a remarkable testimony from a young lady during a church service I attended in the United States. She shared her experience of searching for a job while being stuck in a terrible work situation. Her prayers were answered when she landed a job managing a restaurant on the topmost floor of the World Trade Center before the tragic events of 9/11. After going through the interview process and being introduced as the new manager, she was all set to start her new role the following Monday. However, just before her resumption date, she received an email informing her that her services were no longer needed, leaving her devastated.
Despite the initial shock and disappointment, she found it hard to comprehend why God would seemingly bless her with an opportunity only to have it taken away so suddenly. She struggled to find solace in the words of comfort from her pastor and others who tried to reassure her of God’s goodness. The young lady’s grief was palpable as she withdrew from social interactions, resembling someone who had just experienced a profound loss. Even though she skipped attending church services for a couple of Sundays, her faith was shaken, and she questioned the nature of a God who would grant blessings only to retract them.
However, as time passed, she came to realize the divine protection that had shielded her from a tragic fate. The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center claimed the lives of everyone in the restaurant where she was supposed to work, highlighting the significance of the unexpected turn of events in her life. This experience taught her a valuable lesson about trusting in God’s plan, even when it seems incomprehensible at the moment. The young lady’s story serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes we may not understand the reasons behind our trials until much later, or perhaps not even in this lifetime. Ultimately, her testimony underscores the belief that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose, even when the path seems unclear.
Positive circumstances such as the birth of a child, falling in love with a good person, or experiencing the gift of speaking in tongues can often lead people to seek out individuals who have been raised in a church environment and have a strong faith. These moments, which can feel like a direct answer to prayer, have the power to dispel doubt and cynicism. However, it is important to recognize that times of peace, prosperity, and good health do not always create a sense of spiritual need. In fact, during these times, there is a risk of losing sight of one’s faith and connection to God.
As life becomes more comfortable and successful, there is a tendency for individuals to start feeling self-sufficient and less reliant on God. This can lead to a sense of complacency and a belief that one’s own goodness and likability are enough. The temptation to make excuses for spiritual practices, such as fasting or prayer, may arise when faced with opportunities and social situations that conflict with these practices. It is during these times of ease and abundance that the devil’s influence can subtly creep in, causing doubt and a reevaluation of one’s own worthiness.
When faced with unexpected challenges or threats to one’s success, such as the possibility of losing a job or being overlooked for a promotion, individuals may suddenly feel the need to reconnect with their faith. The realization that spiritual practices, such as fasting, prayer, and seeking agreement with a spouse, may be necessary to avert potential negative outcomes can serve as a wake-up call. This cycle of feeling self-sufficient during good times and then turning back to faith during challenging times is a common experience for many individuals. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong connection to one’s faith, regardless of the circumstances.
The anticipation of better days ahead often leads us to make excuses for our actions. The devil does not always tempt us directly, but rather provides opportunities and situations that challenge our faith. For instance, you may feel conflicted about fasting on a Wednesday when you are in Europe or attending a meeting with important individuals who offer tea and coffee. It can be challenging to explain your fasting practice in such scenarios, but it is essential to remember that God is aware of your circumstances and responsibilities.
When unexpected challenges arise, such as receiving an email about budget concerns at work, doubts may start to creep in. You may question your abilities and consider turning to spiritual practices like attending vigils or seeking agreement in prayer with your spouse. Fasting once a week may also seem like a viable solution to avoid being negatively impacted by the budget constraints. These moments of doubt and reflection often serve as reminders to prioritize your relationship with God and seek His guidance in times of uncertainty.
As C.S. Lewis eloquently stated, God communicates with us in various ways, including through moments of pleasure, conscience, and pain. It is during times of distress and hardship that we may feel God’s presence more acutely. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant and attentive to the signs and messages that God may be sending our way. By expressing gratitude and praise, we can navigate through challenges and uncertainties with faith and resilience. As we approach a new month, let us remember to be mindful of our praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s presence in our lives and trusting in His ability to transform difficult situations into opportunities for growth and spiritual connection.