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Paul told Timothy to endure hardship as a soldier of Jesus Christ. (II Timothy 2:3) Every time someone would tell me to endure something I always thought that something was going to happen to me that I was going to regret. The phrase "just grin and bear it" would always enter my mind. This phrase would cause me to conjure up a picture of just passively sitting back and allowing that something to pass through my life until it was over. I also remember thinking to myself, "I wish I were somewhere else besides going through this trial". This type of attitude seemed to make my situation unbearable. But since I knew I was suppose to endure hardship I would try to keep my mouth shut so that I would not end up murmuring and complaining.
Then I remembered that it was said that Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2) When I thought about this it sounded like Jesus was focused on the result of what would happen after the cross. Then it hit me. If I were to remain focused on the result of what would happen after my trial then I could remain joyful in my trial.
So what are some results of going through trials? I equate some of my trials with God chastening me. God's chastening will bring about the peaceable fruit of righteousness. The trying of our faith brings about patience. Patience is a synonym for endurance. In the book of Hebrews I am told to follow those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. So I wanted patience to be fully developed in me because I know that inheriting the promises would be the result of my faith plus patience.
I look at it this way. If I were a farmer and I planted 200 acres of corn and I knew this harvest of corn was going to feed a lot of people I would have a good attitude about protecting the corn from any danger. My attitude about tending my crop would NOT be, "Do I have to weed the crop again? Do I have to water the crop again?" or any other reasons. Take note that these attitudes are focused on me. In other words it is a lot easier to endure a hardship when I am not focused on myself (selfish).
Let's pray. Heavenly Father, I ask You to grant me and others the understanding that being selfish is a roadblock to our spiritual progress. I ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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