My faith in Jesus Christ is the most important part of my life, right behind that is my family, friends, church and everything else. That does not mean in any shape or form that I am perfect, have it all together or do not have my struggles. I can assure you struggle has been at the top of the list for quite some time now. In fact, it has been so high on my radar that I am digging in to the book of Job deeper then ever before. A lot of times, the portrait painted of Christianity, is more like self help. Come to God and all your troubles go away. Well, nope that is not quite what scripture says. 1 Peter 4:13 says But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Rejoice in suffering? Hmmm…let me be honest, that one has been difficult for me. I long to be there, at the place in my faith where I can honestly say I rejoice in suffering. In some instances, I think I do, but then there are others that strike me down with absolute fear. In those times, I am so glad I can cling to God’s word. He did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind. So I know instantly through the remembrance of that scripture that the fear I am experiencing is NOT from God. Not from my Heavenly Father who loves me immeasurably more than I can imagine.
In order for me to experience the peace that comes from God and truly be able to rejoice in suffering, I must know Him, I must know His word. Scripture says to hide His word in our heart. There is a reason for that! But in order to hide His word in my heart, I must open His word, read, meditate on it and let Him speak to me through the living, breathing word of God. Scripture says in James that if anyone lacks wisdom, to ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, it will be given to you. There are so many things in my life where I need wisdom and in order for me to get wisdom from God, I must open His word and He says He will give it generously, without finding fault!
My challenge to all of us today is to commit to being in God’s word every day. I just recently heard of what is called the Worlds Biggest Small Group and it is sponsored by a radio station to help people engage in God’s word on a daily basis. This is a great place to start to dig into God’s word. To find out more information on how to participate you can go to www.allwally.com
