May the God of peace equip
you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is
pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ. Heb. 13:20
For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower
becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the shoots with pruning
knives, and cut down and take away the spreading branches. He cuts off every
branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes
so that it will be even more fruitful.
Is.18:5; Jn. 15:2
God disciplines
us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. The Lord disciplines those
He loves, as a father the son he delights in. Heb. 12:10; Prv. 3:12
Equipping,
pruning or discipline…similar in appearance, poles apart in immediate purpose,
partnering in eternal objective.
Question:
How do we discern the difference, thus granting us a smidge of understanding, which
in turn helps us to embrace the trial so that God can “have His way in us”?
First, ask acknowledge and ask
this of God: “I know that nothing takes You by surprise, Lord, and I know that
You are in COMPLETE control (even when things appear so out of control), so
please help me understand the divine lesson(s) You are trying to teach me
through this trial. If it’s discipline, help me to recognize, repent and
renounce. If it’s pruning or equipping, help me to embrace this trial and learn
what You are trying to impart to me. (And if it is spiritual attack, please
protect and deliver me for Your name sake!)”
Second, recognize that we do not
live isolated lives, and thus, divinely inspired multi-purposed trials are
common. ~ Life isn’t always about “me”. God is also at work in the lives of
others involved in our current trial.
Third, embrace the trial (versus
run from it), and excavate the lessons (versus gloss over them).
Forth, realize that we are human,
with human frailty, and we will struggle. (Paul referred to this inner struggle
in Rom. 7) God understands and He Himself will help us “stand tall” again.
Fifth, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, ABIDE, ABIDE,
ABIDE, ABIDE. This requires ongoing quantity and quality time with God.
Sixth, OBEY HIS PROMPTINGS…a
constant and purposeful choice.
Seventh: Amidst all, live with a resolute
attitude of thankfulness and praise.
How
can we say these things? Because Cleary’s constantly live in trials…even this
last week. Oh, our trials may look different than yours, but the fundamental
lessons are the same.
Let’s
finish strong; He is coming for us SOON. May God bless us as we live for Him
this week!
Much
love,
Shaun
and Betsy
