For many years after I started following Jesus, I thought that God’s blessing on my life meant that my life situation would always flow smoothly. Many times, it did and I just figured that should be the norm. If things were chaotic, I found myself complaining about one thing or another, expecting that everyone should see things my way and follow me, thinking that if they did, everything would be fine. Looking back, I was really more interested in feeding my ego instead of taking up the cross and letting the Lord work in my life. Now I realize that one of the first symptoms of my resistance to Him and what He is doing is when I hear myself complaining. It is astonishing to me how quickly one little grievance can open up the floodgate of finding a host of other things to complain about. However, if I have a heart of thanksgiving and gratefulness, all of the ill-tempered attitude is nipped in the bud. Now I realize that by embracing things as they happen and seeing them as opportunities to grow in my knowledge of God, I am able to find peace in every circumstance because I sense His presence. With that assurance, nothing is too difficult for me.
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co–heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
Romans 8:17
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2,3