This is the time of year when a lot of people (including me) are focused on working through their New Year’s Resolutions. It’s time to get healthy, time to get fit, time to make goals, time to change way of thinking/way of doing, time to become more of who we want to be (however that may be formed into a resolution).
I see it as the time to build our muscles. Hit the gym, so to speak (or literally!).
At the end of 2016 (3 days before Christmas), I was given the opportunity to build my muscles. My faith muscles that is. I was taken off a work project that I thought would last a good year or so. Suddenly (and not conveniently), I had no income.
Funny word I chose there: opportunity. However it is truly an opportunity!
It’s the opportunity to work on my faith muscles. Just like hitting the gym each day in order to build muscles, its time to hit the Bible (believe what He says in it, and work on my relationship with Him) to build my faith muscles. The good news is I didn’t stop “going to the gym” (Bible, hearing from God) prior to this news, as He actually prepared me ahead of time. I kept up the muscle maintenance needed for moments just like this. I’m actually very excited that this is the season to “bulk up.” I’m learning to appreciate what James said:
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (James 1:2 NLT)
I’m learning that when I go through “stuff” I get the chance to experience different aspects/qualities of God. For instance, when I was afraid and had a sort of “bully” in my life, I experienced God as my refuge and strength, and as my vindicator. (“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1 NLT; and “For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants” Psalms 135:14 ESV) When I was laid off from my job of 11 years, I experienced God’s rest as never before. (“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 ESV) When I was single for so many years, I experienced God as my husband. (“For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.” Isaiah 5:54 ESV)
You can never change my mind or convince me now that God is not my refuge and strength, or my vindicator, or my rest, or my husband. I KNOW those things and nothing will ever change that because I experienced and lived it! Those muscles are toned baby!
Continuing what James said after he said to consider the trials/troubles opportunities, he gives us the reason: “For you know that when your faith is tested (or faith muscle is built up – my words), your endurance has a chance to grow (bulk up – my words). So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. ” In other words, the yuck in life is the opportunity to build up your faith muscles! Then you will not need anything else and realize all you need is God alone! He is enough! He is all you will ever need in every situation. Good or bad, God is all you need.
Want to come work out with me?
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:10 NKJV)