Over a decade ago, before I made the decision to become a follower of Christ, I was preparing to become a Buddhist. After tremendous deliberation, I had decided that Buddhism offered the solution to filling a deep void in my heart left when I realized the god of my youth was a sham.
Like many who are culture-struck it is innate within us to seek out something—someone to help us transcend beyond our problems. The crux of the Buddhist faith is Transcendence beyond our trials. A true Buddhist will innocently challenge a Christian with the question, "Why would you follow a God who requires that you suffer for him?" Our answer does not make sense. It is because we love Him that we choose to persevere through trials.
We do not serve a God who does not talk back. We serve a God who loves us and wants to know us. We serve a very real God who loves us deeply and wants to be our strength when circumstances around us are grim. He does not want us to rise above the storm; He wants us, in faith, to persevere through it.
A pregnant mother, no matter how holy will carry a baby to term. An athlete, no matter his status in the kingdom will be required to train before receiving a medal. Our God celebrates growth. He requires it. He does not want mindless, spoiled children who crumble at the threat of thunder. He wants us to persevere and embrace Him as the great Deliverer.
The good news is that He did not leave us without instruction.
7 Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
— Psalm 130:7-8For most of us, the holidays are characteristically wrought with opportunities to abandon our plans of self-rescue and wait for God to move. Our Creator continues to be the only one who can truly rescue us from the cruel masters of sin and death. The verses above emphasize His power and willingness to save. He is, in fact, better at saving us than we are at sinning.
Christ saves us from the penalty and the power of sin. But he doesn't stop there. He delights in making all things new, empowering us to mend fences with others, bring joy where there is despair and make all that we do bring Him great glory. Though Jesus does not perfect our circumstances in this world, we should be able to see Him working to bring renewal to all areas of our lives.
The great servant does a great work for us, we who can not save ourselves.
Think About It
1. The holiday season will bring trials. Are you prepared to face the storm with Him as your shield? Will you allow him to fortify strong relationships and repair broken ones? Make a list of those relationships you expect God to move upon and then show it to your spouse. Pray with each other and discuss.
2. Are you in a storm right now? Some storms God will cause to blow around you, while others He will require that you persevere through. Sometimes it is difficult to know which your storm is. Know that ultimately He wants to see Himself glorified in us. You don't have to go into the holiday season half-cocked and blind. Fight Club is here for you. Call someone. Ask for them to pray. Know that where there are two or more who agree, He is there.
3. Who can you share the answers to these questions with? Will they walk with you through your freedom journey? Commit to six months of transparency, teachability and accountability with another husband or wife (same gender as yourself).
Scripture for a Marriage
• Psalm 91:11
• Luke 7:36-50
