03/03/2009
There are several reasons as to why trials come our way. In the past articles we dwelt on this mainly from the perspective of trials arising as a result of our mistakes. This very much relates to our times. If we have made a mistake along the way, we need to repent, beseech the mercies of God and do the necessary to come out of the trials that have risen as a result.
Many times, we don’t learn our lessons quickly and so we wander along in circles for a long time. This can easily change as we humble ourselves before God after having recognized our mistakes. In this, we need to understand that there are places where we would have to reap what we have sown if we have sown wrongly for a period of time.
God is Righteous and even though His Righteousness has been revealed through the cross, there can be consequences for our actions especially if we sin with knowledge or fail to repent properly. For example, if we have started something that God had no part in and it had grown and taken root, then we will face trials and problems as long as that thing (we started) remains or until the seasons of God disciplines have passed and we are ready to confront what we have sown wrongly. The grace of God is in the will of God for our lives. The mercies of God sustain us when we are out of His will. There is also a place of “no mercy”.
In the last article we saw that in order to walk in the peace of God in difficult times we must be in a place of surrender. This is a place, where we are ready to follow God “no matter what the cost”.
Continuing with that thought, though we might have the intent to follow God “no matter what”, unless we have known (walked) the process of yielding oneself to God’s will, the former is of little use. The disciples had good intent and they genuinely wanted to be with Christ till death. However they failed miserably when they were put to that test in the garden.
The best example in this manner is that of Christ Himself. His intent was to die on the cross but as that moment approached he found his flesh in the way.
However he yielded Himself to God’s will when His own desires came in the way of God’s plan. That process was painful. Hebrews says’ he agonized greatly with loud supplications (Hebrews 5:7).
When it was over, He had great strength to face His trials and sufferings.
Do we know this place of surrender in our lives? This process “undergone” is what gives us real strength to face whatever might come our way.
If we have not been through this place then we would not have experienced God’s great grace and peace amidst trials.
Brethren whatever place we might be in right now, let us take a moment to reflect on this truth. Let us without reservations or conditions give ourselves wholly to God again. Many of us started from this place but have drifted quite far from it. Today, can we honestly say “I am willing to follow Christ no matter what the cost”? If not let us surrender ourselves afresh again in the hands of a loving Father.
If we do, we will walk in peace, clarity and counsel in an hour that desperately demands them. We will clearly see our mistakes and what needs to be done and also be able to help others.
He walked the lonely road to Golgotha
A roadway of pain and suffering
A highway of shame and sorrow
His blood flowed freely as he struggled for every step
His accusers and His enemies all around
He did it all for me
They whipped His back, His bones exposed
A crown of thorns on His head
They spit on Him and smote Him
Placed a rugged cross behind His back
He did it all for me
His hands and feet nailed to the cross
He hung betwixt earth and sky
He freely gave His life for me
Lord! You did it all for me
The least I can offer is my own life.
