Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Sometimes in our walks of faith it is uber easy for us to grow weary and lose heart, Amen? Trials and tribulations can get our eyes off the goal of following hard after Jesus. Flesh balks when hard circumstances abound. Our joy waxes and wanes and our contentment in Christ can quickly crash into discontent. Yet, the great Apostle Paul learned contentment in affliction which is God’s glorious power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in the mature believer in action. Paul writes in Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV): “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Human nature never teaches contentment, only Christ does.
God carries His children through this world in a variety of differing ways and it seems to always be changing. Nothing ever stays the same in our treks towards heaven through this fallen and broken place yet, Christ is our constant One. He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. His love is stable, constant and certain in all conditions of our lives as well as His power. And we must learn not to quarrel against what He allows in the lives of His heirs of mercy. All allowed is to be used to make us more and more like Jesus. That is God’s goal as Jesus was to be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28-29 (NIV) tells us: “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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
We are to let God be God and do as He pleases as He brings us to heaven no matter how rugged it may be – our crosses are perfectly suited for us. God’s grace is able to carry His children through all conditions of this life – in plenty or in want – making us more like Jesus. Hudson Taylor wrote: “You do not need a great faith, but faith in a great God.”
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalms 51:12 (NIV)