April 13, 2010 - Logan Hunt

April 13, 2010

It is amazing how God can and will change your life, your way of thinking, and perspective, if you will just let him. I think a lot of this happens, at least in my life, when I am reminded by God of His sovereignty. Sometimes this comes as subtle, gentle reminders and sometimes through great affliction.

The gentle reminders to me are usually visual, the beauty and vastness of the mountains, sunrises and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. Things that make you feel small in the big picture because of the incomprehensible magnitude of our God. He promises us over and over that He has it under control, and says that worry is unnecessary. Once we realize and remember this, then we can experience a freedom like no other. A freedom to live abundantly, not bound by the chains of this world. This freedom also allows us to "love from the center of who you are, don't fake it, run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply, practice playing second fiddle.” Romans 12:9-10 (The Message). I love these moments, as some are unforgettable in my life. I think that a lot of our sense for adventure stems from this inner desire for intimacy with our Creator through his creation...to see this earth from the top of the mountains, to swim through the coral reefs with sea turtles and tropical fish. Our God outdid himself with His creation, you just have to get out and experience it!

I think that it is during those times of affliction that God changes us and we are taught to FULLY rely on Him. Webster's defines affliction as “a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity." Romans 8:28 says "and we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." He uses the troubles and sorrow that come with this life to chisel and shape our lives into a likeness of Him... that is if we let Him. James chapter one, says a lot about how we should allow God to change us during these times...
“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 it's work so that you might be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed is the man who persevered under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:2-4,12) Throughout the Bible God continually reminds us this. 1 Peter 1:6,7 “though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

You hear a lot of people say..."God won't put on you more than you can bear", and I have trouble with this saying. I am not sure, but I think that it is a misquote of 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says that " ...and God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out, so that you can stand under it." Never forget that God is the author of all that is good, and would not place undue burden upon his children. But, when the devil does, God turns it right around and uses it for good, for His glory.

God uses both the highs and the lows of this life to change us for the good, an ongoing sanctification. In those times between, we must simply do what he requires of us… "He has showed you, o man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).

Logan Hunt