Final question when I think about quitting…
Does my life need all this aggravation?
Once again… Yes! It is a common misconception that the life of a Christian is an easy and stress-free vacation from reality. Considering how being a Christian involves following Jesus - this should be obvious. Jesus lived anything but a stress-free and easy life - yet, His joy and fulfillment were made complete in His life’s trials.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Those who doubt should not think they will receive anything from the Lord; they are double-minded and unstable in all they do. James 1:2-8
Here’s the truth about me: I am double-minded. Of any sin in my life, this one is probably the most recurrent. I tend to over-think most things and when it comes to making decisions I often neglect to pray or heed the voice of God like I should. When am I most double-minded and confused? During a tough trial (like selling a house). I even become frustrated and doubtful to the point where calling it quits and giving up sounds like a smart move. Much of the time when I ask God for wisdom, I fail to believe His wisdom and doubt my way to even more aggravation.
Trials and difficulties are not meant to knock us off track with God and the person we are called to be in Christ. Instead, we should be holding onto Jesus and His wisdom even tighter in these times. You could say this is the whole point, really. Here’s why: God’s desire is to work into us something more than shallow, uneventful bliss. If His goal was really to simply make us happy - food, illicit drugs, and monetary gifts would suffice. No. God’s desire is to work our hearts and minds to find joy in circumstances where many other people are destroyed. Trials and troubles plus real faith plus wisdom from God equals pure joy… and a mature and complete human being. Your maturity and ability to face life’s ups and downs with a heart of love for God will positively effect the people and world around you.
So, yes. Your life does need all this aggravation and your joy can infect someone else today if you’ll let it.
- Are you still thinking about quitting?
- Where is your joy? Have you ever found it in God?
- Mature and complete. Are you on your way there?
- Whose wisdom are you employing - your own or the Lord’s?
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