Work out your own salvation. - Philippians 2:12
Certainly, none of us enjoy going through struggles, but you have to understand that your struggle may be an opportunity for advancement and promotion. The very thing you are fighting against so tenaciously may be the springboard that catapults you to a new level of excellence. Your challenges may become your greatest assets.
Without the resistance of air, an eagle can't soar. Without the resistance of water, a ship can't float. Without the resistance of gravity, you and I can't even walk. Without opposition or resistance, there is no potential for progress. There are no shortcuts; there is no easy way to mature physically, emotionally, or spiritually. You must remain determined and work with God. Salvation is more than a onetime prayer. It is constantly cooperating with God, dealing with the issues He brings up, keeping a good attitude, and allowing Him to change you as He sees fit.
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Charlotte, this is exactly the train of my thoughts before the weekend as I wrote my Friday devotion meditating on Psalm 43. That challenges and feelings of discouragements, etc. actually come to make me grow and expand and increase more!
ReplyDeleteYou write: "I need to stop seeing my struggles as "problems" and see them as growing opportunities." This is so true!
ReplyDeleteresistance. A great post and I'm going to remember this. It's a message I need to remember when the tough stuff hits.
ReplyDeleteWe often do have to go through pain to reach our end goal. Resistance serves a valuable purpose!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post, Charlotte. I have a stationary bike which I ride six days a week. Some days I don't really feel like it but it is always beneficial when I do. Resistance is most often not pleasant but then we wouldn't mature without it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for fixing my link. I don't know what happened. Hope you have a lovely Sunday.
Blessings,
Sandi
Wow! What a great post! I am finding lots of encouraging words at Spiritual Sunday this weekend. I am sure I am not the only one being ministered to. Thanks be to God!
ReplyDeleteResistance seems unpleasant. Sometimes I seek the path of less resistance. Sometimes I seek resistance... on purpose. Sometimes the resistance comes and I have nothing to do with controlling it. That's when I have to just trust the one who brings it, knowing that if I lean in, I will grow. I love the way you illustrated this truth. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Debbie
Oh this was good for me to hear.
ReplyDeleteI, too, find help and blessing at Spiritual Sunday. So many times I got to read a few posts and find an answer just when I need it. I've grown reading the posts from my brothers and sisters. Thank your for continuing it for us.
ReplyDeleteA great post, Charlotte ~ I really like Joel. I need to exercise too. I am trying to walk up and down my street when the weather is nice. Blessings ~
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts about resistance here, Charlotte. It makes me think of my doctor advising "weight-bearing activity" to keep my bones strong. Without the extra resistance, they'd just get weaker. Seems the same thing applies spiritually. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have definitely learned that challenges or trials are actually opportunities. For me they have been opportunities to grow, to learn, to trust and most of all, to increase my faith! It is difficult when things don't go the way we would choose, but God is always faithful! I am so thankful!
ReplyDeleteHello Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post very much. It really spoke to me at this stage in my life. I'm your newest follower! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and your comment on my "Windows of the World" post!
Hugs,
Cindy
P.S. I forgot to tell you I love your blog header! It's so lovely!
ReplyDeleteCindy