Life's challenges have a way of breaking us down, especially if they last. It's easy to feel discouraged, even broken. I've learned if we embrace the process of dying, that those things will arise in new life. God promises us that, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 NIV But we have to be willing to leave our plans behind. Many of us don't know what we pray when we pray "Lord have your way in me.", "Lead me Lord" etc. We are asking to die. The pain we feel is all part of the process of dying, so we may live the life He's chosen. Our flesh does not lay down easily. It's painful.
Next time you are in a season of pain, ask yourself, "Am I dying?" you may be having to lay a part of yourself down. Knowing the source of the pain always gives us a little more endurance on the journey. Brokenness is the key to do great things in God.
Of course being prideful and self-assured can get you places in this life, but that's not what you prayed. You prayed, "Lord have your way", "You lead me, Father", "I'm following you" and Jesus leads us to the cross daily. In death, we live. Don't look around and compare your life with those who are not dying, even Christians, not all Christians go through the spiritual journey of death. That's why all Christians don't raise the dead, heal the sick, cast out demons etc. There is a process of dying to live in the spirit. It's not a process we have control over. It's a process we surrender to. A process prepared for us before we took our first breathe. A process that requires us to trust our friend and King, Jesus.
Next time you are in a season of pain, ask yourself, "Am I dying?" you may be having to lay a part of yourself down. Knowing the source of the pain always gives us a little more endurance on the journey. Brokenness is the key to do great things in God.
Of course being prideful and self-assured can get you places in this life, but that's not what you prayed. You prayed, "Lord have your way", "You lead me, Father", "I'm following you" and Jesus leads us to the cross daily. In death, we live. Don't look around and compare your life with those who are not dying, even Christians, not all Christians go through the spiritual journey of death. That's why all Christians don't raise the dead, heal the sick, cast out demons etc. There is a process of dying to live in the spirit. It's not a process we have control over. It's a process we surrender to. A process prepared for us before we took our first breathe. A process that requires us to trust our friend and King, Jesus.
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