Sometimes they don't look like "good gifts". Sometimes it brings us pain we don't like. Sometimes it goes against our wills. Sometimes it gives us frustration. Sometimes we feel alone. Sometimes we are even angry. AND, sometimes we just want to give up, because we feel that God has forsaken us.
We have to remember a few things. God is always working to conform us to the image of His Son. A real project for most of us. And, that God has a plan for each and every one of us.
Romans 8:29 - For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
The Bible tells us that "we are crucified with Christ".
Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
So we are dead! Dead men don't complain. Dead men don't have an opinion. Dead men can't get their feelings hurt. Dead men don't stir up trouble or strife. Dead men don't have to have their own way. That means we are DEAD! We are to crucify the flesh.
Galatians 5:24 - And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
That goes against our human nature big time! Christ says we are crucified with Him when we accept Him as our Saviour. Christ also gives us opportunity everyday and every moment to "crucify the flesh". That means our passions and desires for this world and our human trappings need to die. We need "passion and desire" for Him to fulfill our destiny in the Kingdom of God, to fulfill those plans He has for us.
There are a few things we need to do, that go against human nature, but are in step with the Godly nature.
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 5:18, 20-21 - And don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit: giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Not playing dead when it's convenient, but being dead. Not playing dead when we want to, but being dead by being obedient to the Word and crucifying the fleshly desires, like having our own way. We need to be "deader" sometimes with certain people in our lives. Some people bring out our "undeadness". God is working it out of us. Doesn't sound like a good gift, but it really is a good gift. He hasn't forgotten you. God keeps on giving gifts that are not disguised as gifts. He's working out all things for your good and His glory.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
As we learn and grow up in Christ, we will get "deader and deader" by walking in the Spirit and in obedience to the Word. We will mature and it will get easier.
Galatians 5:25 - If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
God will lead us to new heights and new adventures with great fulfillment in Him as we walk in His Spirit and listen for His guidance in every situation.
Practice being dead in every situation, and pretty soon, you will be dead. Practice makes perfect at almost everything. So no more playing dead. Be dead.
Not playing dead when it's convenient, but being dead. Not playing dead when we want to, but being dead by being obedient to the Word and crucifying the fleshly desires, like having our own way. We need to be "deader" sometimes with certain people in our lives. Some people bring out our "undeadness". God is working it out of us. Doesn't sound like a good gift, but it really is a good gift. He hasn't forgotten you. God keeps on giving gifts that are not disguised as gifts. He's working out all things for your good and His glory.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
As we learn and grow up in Christ, we will get "deader and deader" by walking in the Spirit and in obedience to the Word. We will mature and it will get easier.
Galatians 5:25 - If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
God will lead us to new heights and new adventures with great fulfillment in Him as we walk in His Spirit and listen for His guidance in every situation.
Practice being dead in every situation, and pretty soon, you will be dead. Practice makes perfect at almost everything. So no more playing dead. Be dead.
