This is a guest post from Chris Vonada. Chris is an aspiring author and geologist, and also enjoys reading, running, anything outdoors, travel, family, friends, music and life! He writes about his passions at I’m Just Thinkin’.
God has a perfect plan in store for each and every one of us. That plan can lead us down unexpected paths, or detours. Some of these can be difficult to understand. Why would God allow this to happen? Perhaps it was our will and not his that lead us on the detour. Or maybe it was something evil, and He seemed to just stand by on the sidelines. But how could He possibly do that? And just allow something difficult to happen?
Maybe we just need to get to know Him better, because His promises to us don’t include one that we will not face challenges. They’re, indeed, very important for our growth. And for our preparation for Greater Things!
Our life here is short in comparison to eternity. Psalm 119:19 says:
“We will only be here for just a little while.” And we’re the lump some of our experiences.
I used to pray to God frequently to make me more like Jesus. At the time I started doing this I didn’t really know Jesus. I’m still trying to get to know God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I do know, in Galatians Chapter 5, it says:
“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, humility, and self-control.”
And in Matthew Chapter 7 it says:
“You will know a good tree from a bad one by its fruit.”
So we can simply look around and see Greater Things blossoming and growing.
Our challenges are opportunities to grow in this life in preparation for Greater Things in eternity. How we accept these issues, problems, or how I like to refer to them, challenges, is evident in the fruit we bear. Not only in our reactions but also in our heart, how we feel, our words, actions and feelings. If you can face a significant, life-changing challenge and still have the fruit of the spirit present within you, I believe God’s probably looking on saying “well done!” And as we grow, how we overcome challenges determines our place in eternity.
The Bible says we should be thankful as we experience these challenges (it’s usually referred to as suffering). James 1:2-4 says:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Why would I want to thank God for this pain? Because He’s preparing us for greater things. And for eternity. Hallelujah!! Keep growing and stay faithful.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us as for more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2Corinthians 4:16-18.
Are there any painful experiences that you could be thankful for today in preparation for Greater Things?
I believe this and have experienced it many times, Chris. The challenges and even suffering have prepared me for something greater and enabled me to trust Him and surrender to his grace and freedom more readily. Great reminder. Thank you (and Kevin).
Thanks for sharing Jason!
Hi Chris (Hi Kevin!),
Thanks for this encouraging reminder. It’s amazing how God guides us to exactly what we need when we need it. I definitely needed to read this post. I’ve been feeling extremely exhausted lately and while I realize some of that has to do with my work/fun balance being out of whack, I also understand that there’s something that I’m supposed to gain from this trial.
I appreciate you helping to make it clearer for me
Thanks for stopping by and sharing Kiesha!