“There is no university for a Christian, like that of sorrow and trial. “Charles Spurgeon. Sometimes, people can be flippant to say things like, he or she is going through this or that because of sin, etc. Beloved, let us not be too quick to write people off; everyone, yourself included is a “work in progress.” Watch this, Jesus said, “I am the real vine and My Father is the farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing He prunes back so it will bear even more.” John 15:2 (MSG). Listen to this, God is more interested in character building than wealth creation, Selah. The Lord wants our character to be fully developed to such a point that “we are like mount Zion, unmovable and unshakable.”
The Apostle Paul writes, “…We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporal, but the unseen realm is eternal.” Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-17 (TPT). For example, Paul says:
- In the midst of the struggle, have the right perspective.
- Produces for us an eternal weight of glory.
Apostle Paul writes, “The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me. For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me, keeping me from becoming arrogant. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But He answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.
Think with me for a moment, Paul was acknowledging His struggles here, and the purpose he gave was:
- To keep him humble or from boasting in the revelation he received from God. We must always remember, “For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.” Read Philippians 2:13 (AMP).
- Paul also identifies that when he is surrounded by troubles or face persecutions, he is made stronger.
Beloved, God knows the things which can easily trigger one, therefore, He creates channels through which we are subjected to a process of learning. Now, the way of escape for Paul in this text was God saying, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” Can you see this? Therefore, it is worth mentioning, you are not alone in that quiet struggle; God’s grace is equally available, hence, the Scripture says, “And now out of His fullness we are fulfilled! And from Him, we receive grace heaped upon more grace.” Read John 1:16 (TPT).
My Father, thank You. Your Word says, “Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth.” Read John 17:17. Beloved, in the midst of that private struggle and as you take it to God in prayer; you are being set apart or what I call being trained for a higher purpose in God.
We write. You read. Be encouraged.
Kolumns 