The One Thing We Control
We can’t control what happens to us. But we can control whether we become sanctified or scarred.
Only you can decide how your fires will affect you. Will you be sanctified or scarred? (Beth Moore)
Subject to all Earthly Trials
Our Heavenly Father doesn’t wrap new believers in bubble wrap or shield His children like an overprotective mother. Instead, we face all the heartache and pain the rest of the world does. Poverty, unemployment, natural disasters, addictions, dementia, cancer, stroke, tragic car crashes, ill health, personal betrayals—Christians are not immune to humanity’s fiery trials.
The only thing we can control is our response. Do we complain? Submerge ourselves in self-pity? Blame others for our own bad choices? Or hate those who wronged us? These things scar our hearts and ruin our lives. It’s not the traumatic incident itself, but how we respond to it.
A Better Way
Have you ever seen a believer suffer the fiery trial of stage 4 cancer, yet have inner peace? I have. The Holy Spirit gave my friend supernatural peace (Philippians 4:6-7). This enabled her the leave the outcome—life or death–up to Him.
The chemo treatments ended a long time ago.
Against all odds she’s been cancer free for 10 years.
My Spiritual Point
The wise believer starts walking in Jesus’ ways before the fire comes. I’ve been through some fiery trials myself, and these suggestions work.
Before the Fiery Trial Comes:
- Live a Life of Thankfulness. Want me to supply a quick list? Glasses—I’m very nearsighted—air conditioning, flush toilets, and color vision. A Savior who continues to transform me inwardly. My suggestion? Use the ABCs and name one or more things you’re grateful for. Use each letter, including X,Y and Z.
- Always Stomp on the Head of Self-Pity. Nothing cripples our ability to trust God more. There’s no strength in self-pity and no hope,
- Resolve to be 100% Honest with your Heavenly Father. We don’t fool God by being overly holy or religious. We don’t fool our families either. Instead, like the Pharisees, we rob ourselves of every blessing our Lord wants to give us.
- Practice Surrendering to His Will. A wonderful side-effect of this one? We’re surprised to learn His choices for us are better.
Do you want to be sanctified or scarred? It truly is your choice.
This image came from Pixabay.com.
Resources:
Read the Old Testament story of three Jewish lads thrown into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:4-29.)
I loved this devotion. I also loved the 3 life application suggestions of being grateful, avoid self pity and submitting to God’s will. Thank you Maureen!
Thanks, Heidi. God taught me these lessons long ago and I’ve been blessed as I’ve practiced them.