Discarding

In When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box, John Ortberg discusses the process of discarding – getting rid of the things that hold you back, the pressing things that keep you from what matters most. We all have things that keep us from what is really important – loving God and loving people. There are times when even our safety, security and comfort may need to be discarded in order to focus on what really matters. In the end we must realize that God is more concerned with our character than our comfort.

If you and I enjoyed nothing but ease and comfort, our world would never learn anything very impressive about God. It would never learn that God is worth serving – even when the going gets tough. Joni Tada

It is in the struggle that our character is revealed. It is in our weakness that God’s grace is magnified.

Part of what makes a human life most powerful is the struggle. John Ortberg

We have a choice – are we going to use the struggle for the purpose that God intended, or are we going to let it use us? It is God alone that determines what is best for me. He spares no pain in accomplishing His will for my life. I need to make a conscious decision that this struggle is for my own good and for His glory. There is an opportunity here to grow in Christ-like character and to magnify the glory of God. We have a choice about the contents and character of our inner lives. We cannot use our struggles as an excuse for sinning. We cannot always control our circumstances, but we are responsible for our responses. We will be held accountable to the Living God for the choices we make.

For those who embrace God in the midst of adversity, there is great comfort and growth in Christ-like character. Ed, a Christian brother and friend, who has suffered great pain due to an accident sixteen months ago, has been a great encouragement to me. He recently wrote: I learned that no matter how strong we think we are God wants us to depend on Him for sustenance in life. Job has also been a great example for me. Job 42:5-6 are verses that gave me a new perspective on how to conduct my life. My pride is not important or anything that was important in my life except looking forward to the Kingdom and seeing that my loved ones and anyone that will listen gets there also. Our ultimate mission is to sow seeds, water them, and reap the harvest of souls for Jesus alone. Thanks Ed!

When all else is discarded, we find out what is really important.