They weren't bitter or lost but rather they had intentional passion for life. The thing is . . . it made me wonder what my problem is . . . why do I complain or think negatively? After being with people that have gone through extreme difficulties and then proceeded to come out the other side with an incredible positive view and relentless passion. . . I needed to ask myself . . . what is my problem?
I too have had some hard things happen . . . but . . . these heroes of the hard stuff of life made me realize I had no reason to complain. At all.Instead of asking the "why" questions . . ."Why me?" . . . "Why now?" . . . "Why?" . . . I need to ask where the hard stuff of life will take me . . . realizing God will use all things in my life to complete His good work in me.
The Apostle Paul wrote some letters to explain these principles centuries ago:
He wrote about how God will take all the details of our life and work them out for good--"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8: 28, NIV). Seriously, we can look at every circumstance and know in faith that God will work in all things for good. Knowing God will do good for His purpose is a powerful to thought when life becomes stinkin' hard.And, he wrote to the Phillipi church and told them God would take the good work He began and bring it all to completion.
" . . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6, NLT). So, no matter what is going on in life, we can be confident God will use every detail for good, completing us to be the way we were created to be for His purpose.The thing is . . . I am not saying these heroes of the hard stuff of life did not have cracks in their armor or did not deal with imperfection or downright ugly behavior . . . but . . . they got to the other side and were better for all they experienced because of being empowered and strengthened by the presence and power of God. I mean they had such enthusiasm, the kind that is missing in so many individuals.
The thing is . . . the transformation began when they entered a relationship with God. Look at the small print in Romans 8:28, you will see the promise is for those who love God. Some people might resent the stipulation that they must love God to experience the hard stuff of life being worked out for good; however, God does not impose His work in us until we willingly enter into a relationship with Him. And . . . then . . . it is a process that leads us to a purposeful and passionate life according to God's purpose.
Evaluate your life. Love God. Trust Him to use all things, including the hard stuff, to transform you.
Rest. God will take every detail and work it out for good, regardless of how it seems right now..
Remember. God is the Finisher. He will bring the good work to complete you into what you are created to be and to do.
Renew. Live with a new passion and purpose through the good work of God.
Learning to Kickstart the day knowing God will work all things out, no matter the problem, for good according to His purpose,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)