Triumphs and Tests:
Just the title of this week’s lessons says something to me. After completing the study, I think back across some of life’s triumphs and failures, and I must be honest, I can claim responsibility for none of my triumphs but yet I receive the credit for all of my failures.
I have often posed the questions, “Why do we have to learn for ourselves the hardships of life? Why can’t we trust the testimony of those who also learned the hard way?” Beth Moore makes the statement in this week’s lesson, “We have all defaulted to old patterns as well, under stress or sudden crisis, our first reactions at various points may be fleshly and selfish.” My immediate thought after reading that was old habits die hard.
I would love to respond to all of life’s opportunities just like Jesus would, but I have this huge problem; It’s called flesh, and as long as I am robed in it, I will deal with that which comes natural to the human—sin. However, I am not making excuses or justifying sinful behavior in the wake of trial and tribulation.
We should give much consideration to all that our lives could be for the Kingdom of God, if we did respond more like Christ to the issues of life. We could be such an encouragement to the less fortunate, the hurting and the broken. We could be such a testimony to the unbelievers of this world, if they only saw Christians act and respond like Christians should.
I know from personal experience the negative knee jerk reactions we give have far greater impact than the positive Christ-like reactions. Those reactions, whether they be words or actions can’t be taken back. Once they role off the tongue or motivate the hands, they are out there. Unfortunately, the world would rather see the Christian fail than succeed.
What’s the answer? How do we improve our responses before the world? First of all, we must remember that our response is first and foremost before the Lord. When we fail, we fail Him alone. Secondly, we must invest in God’s Word. You can’t expect Christ-likeness to come out if you’re not putting it in first. Like the old computer related saying, “Junk in, junk out.” Lastly, we must learn to trust God. God is faithful!
Let me close with a question for you to ponder: “Aren’t our knee jerk responses due to the fact that we don’t believe that God is going to handle it swiftly, correctly and in such a manner that best fits our needs?” When will we learn that God loves us? God is loyal to His children. God will never “leave nor forsake” us.
Pastor Barry
