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GOD WILL INTENTIONALLY DISTURB OUR LIVES in order to “conform us to the image of Christ”. (Romans 8:29) He seems to primarily do this through difficulties, “curveballs” and the unexpected. Sounds harsh until you look at what we do as parents with our own kids. We willingly “disturb” our children when we see areas where they need to grow or where they might get hurt. If they are playing too close to the street…we step in and correct as needed. If they are “hanging with the wrong crowd” we will intervene in order to protect them. If they are living undisciplined lives we will “encourage” discipline (perhaps by allowing the natural consequences to simply overwhelm them). God disciplines us as well. To make us better, to bless us and give us abundant life. |
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Hebrews 12: 7-11 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. |
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We see this principle in the life of:
- David: anointed King but had a very difficult time becoming what God had promised him. (1 Samuel 16-20)
- Paul: God interrupted his plans on the “road to Damascus” (Acts 9:2-4)
- Peter: Denies Jesus 3 Times (Mark 14:71) He gets arrested for Preaching the gospel (Acts 12:3-19)
- Matthew: Jesus called out to Matthew the tax collector and said “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:8-10)
- more…..
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APPLICATION: As I write this I am still a little ‘groggy” from Disciple Now Weekend. (Mini-Camp for teenagers with groups spread out into different homes with small group leaders) Many kids gave their young lives to Jesus and their perspective has changed. They have enthusiasm and excitement for the things of God..they are changed. HOWEVER, the world they live in is very much the same. High School is still tough, friends are “sketchy”, people are not real supportive of a life lived radically for Jesus.They will encounter “God ordained interruptions” that, when embraced will help them grow in their faith and become the strong young people God intended.Additional Reading… James 1:1-3, Philippians 1:6 |
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