Have you believed a lie?

Steve Saint, missionary and inventor, was seriously injured earlier this Summer while working in the lab at I-tech.  He was confined to a hospital and rehab for weeks. Finally, he thought the day of going home had arrived. After evaluation, the family and physicians agreed that he needed to stay for another week. The disappointment of that day broke his heart.  This man of fortitude and wisdom said, "I wondered why the injury could not have been just a little worse so I could have been spared the pain, so my wife could be spared the hardship of caring for me."  Death would have been easier than working for recovery.

On prayerful reflection, he came to see he had believed a lie - that the good life is the easy life! Struggle produces its own depth of character, draws deeper faith from us, and allows us a maturity we would otherwise never know.

We need not seek pain in some twisted pursuit of gratification, but when troubles come, so does a choice.  We can allow them to knot us into a snarl of bitterness or we can choose to authentically process our disappointment, inviting the Spirit to lead us through the dark. It is a mistake to think that faith will exempt us from suffering or anesthetize us to the ache of sorrow. Faith will form a bridge over those troubled waters!

One of the tragedies of our time is the choice that so many make - superficiality over reality. Many are content to merely 'look good,' because the price to actually be good is too high.

• Fake academic degrees multiply because some want a paper in a frame more than an education.
• A phony 'spirituality' based on emotionalism is preferred by millions who will not walk into true knowledge of the Holy through disciplines of the spirit.
• Because the costs of developing and maintaining a real relationship are so steep - forgiveness, tolerance, unselfishness - many choose the shallow relationships of social media.

In each case, and so many more, the lie is in play - the good life is the easy life!  God desire is our transformation, which begins with learning to think in His ways.  The Scripture reminds us of the truth. If you're facing a difficult day, read this passage with prayer and faith. Then, grow on.

"It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God?" (Hebrews 12:6-8, The Message)

So .... "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4, NIV)