Life Gets in the Way

In his wonderful book "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire", Pastor Jim Cymballa challenges us collectively in our spiritual growth and maturity when he counsels that this growth and maturity are not truly reflected by the numbers we see in church on Sunday mornings, but more by the numbers in the building on Tuesday and Wednesday nights – for most of us, that's Bible Study night in case someone may have forgotten! Cymballa was saying that, while Sunday morning service certainly has tremendous value and is necessary, it’s in Bible Study that we will get beyond simply slipping in the door to get a “hit” of Jesus, with the hope that it will carry us through the week. It’s in Bible Study that we can truly grow our relationship with God through in-depth study of His word. Where are you on Bible Study night…?

 Growing in God is anything but a passive exercise – it’s not going to happen just because we show up at Sunday service, or even at Bible Study. Our growth is the result of much effort and sacrifice, and most importantly, obedience to God. And He ensures that we will be fully engaged in the growth process through the things He allows in our lives. This should come as no surprise – after all, He states it clearly in His word: He says "In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33). Make no mistake…not every life challenge that comes our way is the devil’s idea. The question, though, is what's our response to the inevitable troubles of life? What governs our behavior when life gets in the way of our living?

 In every circumstance, we have a choice in how we respond: we can choose the path directed by God, or we can go our own way. However, please don’t forget that there is a huge difference between the outcomes of these differing choices. God's way is the one that will carry us every step of the way to the planned end He has for us – in Jeremiah 29:11 He says “…I know the plans I have for you…they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” But He also speaks about us choosing our way, when He says "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." (Proverbs 14:12). At the end of the day, the lesson is that our spiritual maturity is the sum-total of how often we choose God’s way instead of our own way.

The choice is yours today...so what’s it gonna be?  

“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)