I have found that accepting difficulty is part and parcel of being human in a responsible way, and especially of being a Christian. A big part of walking by faith is to walk through the most difficult places, looking to God prayerfully in the midst of it. There is no doubt that life is full of difficulties and challenges. Obstacles which can make the strongest heart faint, if we let it.
Though we must remember that in our weakness we can find God's strength. And we must also remember that we're not in this life alone. No, we are part of a community of faith, faith growing mutually, by that communion with each other. And we're called to be in mission in this world.
Perhaps the biggest problem with difficulties is not the difficulties themselves, but our attitude toward them. We need to learn to accept them, knowing that in such acceptance we will find the God of peace, as we persevere through these difficulties by faith. We place our faith in God's word, and praying- we await God's good work in everything.
And we do this seeking to keep in mind, Jesus' Creed: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor- including our enemies- as ourselves. Knowing that this is at the heart of what God is seeking to work in and out of us to the world through Christ.
How do you accept difficulty? What might you like to add here?
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8 comments:
it is a precious time when we think that we are alone, to realize in God and through God that we are not.
You are so right. Difficulty is part of daily living as a Christian. It strengthens us and solidifies our faith.
I think you're absolutely right about difficulties - it's not simply the difficulties itself but our attitude and disposition toward those difficulties.
The way we interpret those difficulties is what makes the difference - when we interpret them in light of a loving, sovereign God, we can bear up with much.
nAncY,
Yes. That reminds me of when Paul mentioned that when all had forsaken him, that the Lord stood with him and helped him carry on the mission given to him, the mission of proclaiming the gospel.
People fail, we all do. But the Lord never does, though at times we have to accept that by faith, because he seems either absent, or else what has taken place makes no sense.
Melissa,
Thanks for visiting and for your comment.
It certainly is meant to. I fear that many bail out in one way or another, and that I've done so as well.
ESI,
Very true. It's our vision of God in Christ that is so important. In Christ God is God, far above us, yet closer than the breath we breathe. Utterly different, yet with us in our humanity- in Jesus.
i know that i have not been very good at accepting difficulty most of my life, and i am just realizing how much that has to do with being true in my walk, my beliefs, and in my life here.
i think you are right in your words about acceptance and standing in the promise of God and in His Love and Grace and in the k nowledge that He is always there in so many ways and through His body.
nAncY,
I don't think I've been that good at accepting it in my life, either. But have come a long way in that, I think. But we're always so much in need of grace.
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