Grow or Growl?

Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Grow or Growl? We all go through what Chuck Swindoll likes to refer to as “the tough stuff.” Life is full of hard times, right? We face valleys that are dark, and we face climbs that are too steep. We have to experience heartbreak, and we have to walk through disappointment. Make no mistake about it: everyone on this earth faces these things to a degree. It’s how you come out on the other side of these things that sets us apart.
I’m convinced that God allows us to live through the tough stuff to grow us. Just this past weekend I had a great conversation with my mom and sister about this very topic. God makes us a promise in His Word that He’ll “never leave us nor forsake us” once we are His. He always keeps His promises, no doubt about that. And don’t forget, friend: anything the enemy of our souls wants to launch at us must first be allowed by God (see the story of Job).
I’m deeply convinced that when you go through the tough stuff of life the outcome will be one of two possibilities: you will draw closer to God or push Him farther away. I don’t think there’s any middle ground. When you survive something very traumatic and devastating in your life, you will not be the same on the other side of that pain. It’s just the way it is. One way or another, you’ll be changed.
My prayer is that my journey thus far has led me to a place of growing. I fear, however, that along the way I’ve done my share of growling, too.
As humans we are weak. The thing that most amazes me about God, I think, is that He loves us even though He knows how messed us we are and will continue to be. He created mankind in the Garden of Eden knowing He would fall and ultimately cost the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. But He loved us that much, even before we existed. My God is amazing, no doubt.
So when we catch ourselves growling, may we fall on our faces before Him and ask Him to give us grace to grow instead. The valleys are so very worth it when we consider that the destination can be a more Christ-like life. If the world can see Him in me in some small way, whatever suffering this life may have to endure suddenly becomes more worth it. The hope that one person may spend eternity with Him in heaven instead of the alternative makes it all more bearable. I’m praying I growl less and grow more, how about you?



That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com