Have you ever asked that question?
About parenting?
About marriage?
About any other struggle you're facing?
I know I have!
My small group is currently watching and discussing a video series about marriage by Paul Tripp, and Sunday night we had a great discussion about this question.
In the video, Paul was talking about God using marriage as a means of sanctification. As part of the process of making us more Christ-like. He said God will bring us to the end of ourselves so we realize we need Him. So we will remember we cannot 'do this' on our own.
And in our discussion which followed the video we came to the agreement that if 'this' wasn't so hard, we would never come to the end of ourselves. If all our circumstances were easy and light, we might think we can handle life just fine on our own. We might forget our desperate need for the LORD of the universe. In our blissful enjoyment of the ease, we might miss God.
And that would be tragic.
Not to mention the fact that we would be shallow creatures, who would break at the first sign of struggle.
So, what is your agent of sanctification? What is the struggle God is using in your life to make you more like Jesus?
For me, it is clearly parenting. And I think He may be using the whole 'working outside the home' thing, too. Every day as I struggle with these issues I realize my desperate need for God's grace. I see Him softening my heart, and strengthening my resolve to follow Him. To mimic Him. To be more like Jesus.
And so HE brings me to a point where I can truly be thankful for the hard times. Because He is using them for my good.
Something to think about today!
8 comments:
Oh yeah, I def. have a struggle which has me talking to God daily. Blech. Hate this flesh of mine!
wow... such a fitting blog entry for me today. my struggle? Marriage. Sometimes opposites attract and sometimes opposites make things seem impossible. But I heard a statement the other day that I just love. "Everything is impossible until God makes it possible"
:o)
I JUST finished the parenting series by Paul Tripp!! Talk about humbling & encouraging!
Wow!
I would love to move on to the marriage one now!
Absolutely, hands-down, parenting...so thankful we can go to Him with ALL of our struggles! God's grace is so amazing.
Since I'm not a parent, I would have to say it is marriage. I've never loved a man more than I love Greg but sometimes........sometimes I have to pray extra hard.
I bet a few out there know what I mean.
Jessica - It's so good to see you!
Yeah. Battling the flesh. I'm with you, sister!
Jodi - The other day I saw and heard the statement 'nothing is impossible with God' several times. I had to say, "OK, God. I hear You!" *grin*
Steph - My friends saw him present the parenting series and introduced us to the marriage series.
You should definitely do it next. Very good!
Patricia - Yes, it is. I keep saying, 'God, I don't deserve this grace.' And then it's as if He smiles and responds, Exactly! That's the definition!
Leah - Sometimes. Yeah. I know what you mean. *wink*
Sometimes I have days when all I do is ask questions. And then something happens and I remember to be grateful and thankful.
Angie - It's always good when 'something' happens. *wink*
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