07/20/2024
Pain is not a teacher…
It is a condition that, if our focus is right, can facilitate learning and personal growth. However, if our focus is on the wrong thing, we can come to the wrong conclusion that inevitably becomes detrimental to our development. Our focus decides the direction our thinking will take and the area and quality of the final destination of those thoughts and then the product of our actions.
Since God is the only author and creator of all things good (John 1:3), and since we cannot think or perceive like Him (Isaiah 55:8-9), unless our focus is on God, we cannot conceive a positive lesson or outcome from pain!
However, with our focus on God and submission to His direction, all situations, no matter their origin or agenda, will work for our good (Rom 8:28), despite what they look like or what their original agenda was for our lives.
In order to enjoy these blessings we must be willing to share God’s word whether it is popular to do so or not (2 Tim 4:2). It should be done in love and with patience, and it should be an “instant” response - a spiritual and physical reflex - done without thought or concern about how it makes us look, how others perceive us, or how it will impact our worldly popularity (Mathew 10:32-33)
Make no mistake, we are in a time where lines are being drawn and our silence will no longer be tolerated by God who gives us the words to say in that very moment.
“And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.” (Luk 12:11-12, KJV)
Be loving as Christ was loving. Be patient as God is ever so patient with us, but be bold and prepared to give a witness of your faith to him/her who I s sincerely seeking. No greater love can you demonstrate than a genuine concern for the souls of God’s children.
Good harvesting men and women of God. May your fruit be plentiful in Jesus name,
John Swails