So, what’s with the flowers? Wild flowers by the road side can be over looked so easily… but those of us that notice them are blessed by them. So it is with Natalie!
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:9-13 NIV
Since we are to be like Christ, and we are his workmanship… why is it that we go into the world and expect to NOT suffer?
Christ suffered!
He wept.
Letting go of the need to be famous, loved by everyone… “entering into his rest” as it is described in the book of Hebrews… is letting go of ALL that stuff.
Look at this one in that respect>
A Living Sacrifice
I appeal to you therefore, brothers,by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
I wrote a little while ago about Jesus by that well in John 4…
Oh! And let’s not forget about Hebrews 12:7!
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
Hebrews 12:7
First of all it DOES NOT say, hardship comes from God. Does it?
Consider Ephesians 1:11…
Is it possible to say, rather, that whatever God allows to happen… to endure it as if it is “to teach” us…
That word “discipline” now, I looked it up using the Blue Letter Bible App on my phone here…
OK?
So Ephesians 1:11 has always assured me that God is in control of what goes on in the world. We are at HIS mercy… we feel safe because we are right where he wants us to be!
In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (click on that to read it in context) Paul’s encouraging word for us is, “…even if you die… God raises the dead.”
If I go through life believing that Christians don’t suffer… and I hit suffering… I ask “Why me!?” I get into my head to blame others, and so hatred builds up, resentment… but that raises them above God, or rather replaces God! OR I am driven in my mind to be feeling condemned for some sin or error… and maybe I need to be healed? 1 John 1:9 it!
Confess it to God, call it sin! He forgives and leads us out! Right?
There’s such a thing as consequences for our actions or words. Sometimes we suffer and we deserve it! If I saw off my leg, I’ll need crutches! if I call that large angry man in front of me a TWIT – I may just get smacked!
Romans 1:21 shows us how we become futile in our thinking, and our hearts become darkened… click on the verse to go see what it says, I’ll wait here 🤣
Although I know God, I neither acknowledge him nor give him thanks… picture this, HE – God himself is standing there, in full view! And we’re pointing our finger at his creation! Claiming they have power over us! And by extension they have over powered God! They got to us… He’s let us down!
That is how and why we give thanks in all circumstances > 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Running Down Vimy 