Developing Endurance - God Is Never in a Hurry

In review of James 1:4 it says, “Don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed”

Bottom Line:

Let pressure do its work, you will learn from it and become mature.

What this means to me:

I should not try to get out of any problems prematurely. I need to let it do it’s work so that I can develop maturity and the ability to handle things that come up.

Today’s verse is a reminder for me to be patient with God and with myself. One frustration is that God’s timetable is rarely the same as mine. I’m often in a hurry when God isn’t. I may feel frustrated with the seemingly slow progress I’m making.

What I should keep in mind is that God is never in a hurry, rather he is always on time. He will use my entire lifetime to prepare me for my role in eternity.

God’s Word is filled with examples of how He uses a long process to develop character, especially in leaders. He took 80 years to prepare Moses, including 40 in the wilderness. For 14,600 days Moses kept waiting and wondering, “Is it time yet?” But God kept saying, “Not yet.”

So contrary to many popular book titles, there are no “Easy Steps to Maturity” or “Secrets of Instant Sainthood.” When God wants to make a giant oak, he takes a hundred years, but when he wants to make a mushroom, he does it overnight.

In addition great people are grown through struggles and storms and seasons of suffering. Be patient with the process. James advised, “Don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed” (James 1:4 MSG).

Don’t get discouraged. When Habakkuk became depressed because he didn’t think God was acting quickly enough, God had this to say: “These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” (Habakkuk 2:3 TLB)

I can consider how far I’ve come, not just how far I have to go. I’m not where I want to be, but neither am I where I used to be. I know that God is not finished with me yet. So I should keep on moving forward. Even the snail reached the ark by persevering!

Today I will consider how I can show patience with others, just like God is patient with me? Also, how could I encourage people today in their spiritual growth?

Learning How to Remove and Replace Old Habits

In review of 1 Timothy 4:15 it says, “Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress”

Bottom Line:

Practice and devote yourself to what you’ve learned, let others see the difference it has made in you.

What this means to me:

I’m to put into practice what I’m learning. I am to devote my life to them so that everyone can see how it has made a difference in my life.

Today's verse comes from the last part of 1 Timothy chapter 4 and is where Paul is instructing Timothy (and us) about how to be a good servant of Christ Jesus. We are to explain what we have learned to others and thereby become worthy servants of Christ Jesus, continually nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching we follow. Don't waste time arguing over godless ideas or old wives tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. We do this because our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all.

So we are to teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don't let anything think less of us because of age or other differences. Be an example to all in what we say, in the way we live, our love, our faith and purity. Focus on reading and reviewing the Scripture to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

We are to not neglect the spiritual gifts we have received. We are to give our complete attention to these matters. Thoroughly engage yourselves into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.  Keep a close watch on how we live and on our teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of our own salvation and the the salvation of those who hear us.

While I was given a brand new nature at my moment of conversion, I still had lots of old habits, patterns, and practices that need to be removed and replaced.

So, I need to let go of the fears that keep me from growing. It is the truth that sets me free, even though it can make me miserable at first. It’s the fear of what I might discover if I honestly faced my character defects which keeps me from living in the prison of denial. As I allow God to shine the light of his truth on my faults, failures, and hang-ups that I can begin to work on them. I suppose this is why I cannot grow without a humble, teachable attitude.

Good habits take time to develop. So I’ll keep in mind that my character is the sum total of my habits. I won’t be able to claim to have integrity unless it is my habit to always be honest. My habits define my character. So I will need to practice every day the habits that will make you more like Christ. “Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15b GW).

Today, I should consider what I need to change about my life or schedule, how I spend my free time, etc., so that I can work on developing better habits.

God Grows Me One Step at a Time

In review of Ephesians 4:22-24 it says, “So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to — the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy”

Bottom Line:

Put on your new self, created like God, that is now different.

What this means to me:

I must put on a new self, one which is created in God’s likeness and they reveals itself in a life that is conducted in an upright and useful manner.

Today's passages come from the second part of Ephesians chapter 4, where Paul is explaining to those in Ephesus about living as children of light. He tells us to no longer live as the Gentiles do, helplessly confused. For they are far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. So we are to throw off our old sinful nature and former ways of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception of this world and culture. Instead, we are to let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. Then based on this renewal we are to put on our new nature, one created to be like God, truly righteous and holy.

Although God could instantly transform me, he has chosen to develop me slowly. Jesus was deliberate in developing his disciples, just as God allowed the Israelites to take over the Promised Land “little by little” so they wouldn’t be overwhelmed (Deuteronomy 7:22). It seems God prefers to work in smaller incremental steps.

I am learning there are several reasons for what God works this way:

First, I’m a slow learner. I often have to relearn a lesson 40 or 50 times to really get it. The problems keep recurring, and I think, “Not again! I’ve already learned that!” But God knows better. The history of Israel illustrates how quickly we all forget the lessons God teaches us and how soon we revert to our old patterns of behavior. It seems I need the repeated exposure.

Second, I have a lot to unlearn. Since most of my problems and bad habits didn’t develop overnight, it’s unrealistic for me to expect for them go away immediately. There is no pill, prayer, or principle that will instantly undo the damage of many years. It requires the hard work of removal and replacement. I believe this is why scripture calls it “taking off the old self” and “putting on the new self” (Romans 13:12; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:7-10, 14).

Thirdly growth is often painful and scary. There is no growth without change; there is no change without fear or loss; and there is no loss without pain. Every change involves a loss of some kind. We fear these losses, even if our old ways were self-defeating, because, like a worn-out pair of shoes, they were at least comfortable and familiar.

Lastly good habits take time to develop. I’ll need to keep in mind that my character is the sum total of my habits. I can’t claim to be kind unless I am habitually kind. My habits will define my character.

There is only one way I can think of to develop the habits of Christ-like character: I must practice them, and that will take time! There are no instant habits. Which is probably why Paul urged Timothy to, “Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW).

Often, God allows us to experience pain and loss in our journey to growth.  I suspect that there is no better way than through experience to work this and its emphasis into our lives.

One of my bad habits that comes to mind for me is being humble. I’d like to think of myself a being humble, however based on my actions I find myself not so humble at times.  I often get big headed and think of myself much greater than I should.

One thing I can try to practice each day is from Philippians 2:3-4, and its practice humility and considers others as better than myself. Then attempt to serve them and make a difference in their lives.

There Are No Shortcuts to Spiritual Maturity

In review of Philippians 1:6 it says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns”

Bottom Line:

God who began this good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

What this means to me:

I can be assured that God, is the one who began his good work in me, and will continue this work in me until it is finished, the day that Christ returns.

Today's verse comes from the first chapter of Philippians where Paul is reflecting on the people of Philippi.  He is telling them about how he prays for them. He gives them the assurance that God, who began a good work in their lives, will be faithful to complete it when Christ returns.

What I’m learning is that the development of Christ-like character cannot be rushed. It takes years for me to grow to adulthood. It takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time.

Before Christ truly came into my life at conversion, he had to “soften me up” by allowing problems I couldn’t possibly handle. The moment I opened myself to Christ, God got a “foothold” in my life. While I may think I have surrendered all my life to him, there’s a lot to life that I’m not even aware of. I can only give God as much of myself as I understand at that moment.

It’s good to be reminded that once I gave Christ a foothold, that he begins the campaign to take over more and more territory until all of my life will be completely his. I will experience struggles and battles, but the outcome will never be in doubt. God has promised that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).

Today, I should consider what areas of my life have I yet to surrender to Him? Also, what kind of fruit do I want God to produce in my life?

My Choices Ultimately Control My Calendar

In review of Galatians 6:5 it says, “We are each responsible for our own conduct”

Bottom Line:

We are responsible for our own actions

What this means to me:

I need to make sure I’m bearing responsibility for my own faults and burdens. No one is perfect.

Today's passage also comes from Galatians chapter 6 where Paul explains that we harvest what we plant. We are to gently and humbly help those who are stumbling, being careful to not fall into the same temptations ourselves. We should sharing each other's burdens. We are not above helping anyone. We should pay careful attention to our own work and not compare it with others, for then we will get the satisfaction of a job well done. We are to take responsibility for our own conduct. We will always harvest what we have planted. So don’t get tired of doing what is good. For at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone as nothing worthwhile will ever be easy.

Often in our culture, taking personal responsibility for our actions is substituted by placing the blame elsewhere. It is always someone else's fault.  This verse reminds me that I need to take responsibility for my own actions and faults. With this in mind, my choices about how I respond to and handle things are far more powerful than my circumstances.

I may not like how complicated my life has become. But with few exceptions, no one is forcing me to keep my life complicated. I have the power to simplify my life. In fact, I believe that God would expect me to assume responsibility and to carefully choose how I spend my time.

What I’ve been learning is that I have just enough time to do God’s will while I’m here on Earth. I’ve been given just enough time to fulfill my purpose. When I try to do more than God planned, it’s only natural that I’ll will find myself constantly out of time or stressed over my schedule.

I should make a list of the activities and responsibilities that are causing me stress. Then based on this list, ask God to help me determine the things on my schedule that he never intended for me to do. I should also consider where I believe God wants me to focus my time and energy?

Then, I can consider what choices I’ll need to make to help me focus more on what God has planned.

Nothing Worthwhile Is Ever Easy

In review of Galatians 6:9 it says, “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up”

Bottom Line:

Don’t get tired of helping others. If you don’t give up, you will be rewarded when the time is right.

What this means to me:

I am encouraged to not become tired of doing good. For if I don’t give up, then at just the right time I will reap a harvest of blessing.

Today's passage comes from Galatians chapter 6 where Paul explains that we harvest what we plant. In doing so, we are to gently and humbly help a person who is stumbling, while being careful to not fall into the same temptation ourselves. We should be sharing each other's burdens. We are to never think we are too important to help someone else, as we would only be fooling ourselves, because none of us is that important. We are to pay careful attention to our own work, for then we will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and won't need to compare ourselves with anyone else. Each of us is responsible for our own conduct. We shouldn't be misled, we cannot mock the justice of God. We will always harvest what we have planted. Those who live to only satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from it. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let's not get tired of doing what is good. For at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone as nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

I suppose there are many things that work to keep me from completing my life mission. I’m not sure whether the worst enemy is procrastination or discouragement. I’m thinking that if the enemy can’t get me to put off my life mission, then he’ll try to get me to quit altogether.

The apostle Paul taught that we need to resist discouragement: “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).

I have to admit that sometimes I do get tired of doing what’s right. Sometimes it seems easier to do the wrong thing than the right thing.

However, when I get discouraged, I become ineffective. When I get discouraged, I work against my own faith.

When I get discouraged, I’m saying, “It can’t be done.” That’s the exact opposite of saying, “I know God can do it because he said …”

So I should consider how do I handle failure. When things don’t go my way, do I get grumpy, frustrated, or do I start complaining? Do I finish what I start? How would I rate on persistence?

If I feel myself getting discouraged, I should not give up without a fight. As nothing worthwhile ever happens without endurance and energy.

For instance, when an artist creates a sculpture, he has to keep chipping away. He doesn’t hit the chisel with the hammer once, and suddenly all the excess stone falls away revealing a beautiful masterpiece. He keeps hitting it and hitting it, chipping away at the stone.

What I’m learning is that’s true of life.. Nothing really worthwhile ever comes easy in life. You keep hitting it and going after it, and little by little my life becomes a masterpiece of God’s grace.

Great people are really just like me (ordinary) but that they have an extraordinary amount of determination. Great people don’t know how to quit.

Today I will consider what my attitude toward tough situations reveals about my faith?

Fear In Making The Wrong Decision

In review of Psalm 23:3 it says, “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake”

Bottom Line:

He renews strength and provides guidance.

What this means to me:

God refreshes my soul and renews my strength. He guides me along the right paths that bring honor to his name.

Today's passage comes from probably the most remembered Psalms in the Bible, Psalm 23.  It is a psalm of David's where he lays out God's leadership, guidance and goodness in his life.  In particular this morning, today's verse highlights how God renews strength, provides guidance all in a manner that honors his Him.

This morning I’m considering the fear that comes from making the wrong decision.  When I find that I can’t make up my mind, I end up staggering through life. James 1 reminds me that if I  remain double-minded, I become unstable in everything I do. Interestingly enough, the Greek word for unstable literally means “stagger like a drunk.”

Today’s passage can be considered an antidote to our indecision. Psalm 23:3 tells me, “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake” (NIV). I can handle the stress of decision-making by letting God guide me.

I have found that at times when I’m asking God to guide, I’ve become more confused than before. I remember struggling with, “Why is knowing God and his will so difficult?” I don’t think that God playing games with me. I believe He wants us to know his will more than I want to know it. My problem is likely related to looking for the wrong thing when I’m trying to find God’s will.

For example, I might be looking for a feeling. To be swept off my feet by some emotion so that I can say, “That’s how I know what God’s will is!” Or I may take a more methodical approach, wanting a recipe or a formula to apply. Or I may even resort to a magical approach to God’s will, some fantastic sign; write it in the sky, text me on the phone, or receive an email.

However, I can see where all of these ways lead to frustration and cause me to miss God’s will. What I’m learning is that God’s will is not a feeling or a formula or something he wants me to be frustrated or fearful about.  Also, God does not want me confused, and he does not want me stressed over making any decision. He just promises to be there, guiding me every small step of the way.  

The first verse in psalm 23 starts with saying the “The Lord is my shepherd.”  What I need to remember is that a shepherd never gives his sheep a complete plan or a road map. Being sheep, he just instructs them one step at a time. In a like manner, He helps encourage me and renewing me as I need it. When I follow, He will guide me along a path that is best for me. When I’m obedient, I bring honor to him.