There are times when we truly thought we had it right. But God I did what you said! I broke up with him. I turned down that job. I paid my tithes. I resisted temptation. I went back to church. Now, what?!
It is good to obey the voice of the Lord! However, our motives are often exposed by the test of time. When we do what’s right in an effort to receive something in return, we’ve already failed. Obedience to Christ is the standard, not an occasion. It isn’t until Godly submission becomes a lifestyle that we can be strengthened to endure in the face of adversity. To be clear, the consequences of our actions are not adversity. Adversity is hardship brought on by no doing of our own. In these moments, remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Sometimes we don’t recognize how Sovereign God is until we’re forced to rely on no one but Him. I think by now we realize that salvation doesn’t exempt us from hardship, but it grants us an eternal lifeline. We are not hopeless or made to walk alone. Our hope in Christ will not result in shame! “And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”
Romans 5:4-6 NLT
Wait. What about when we KNEW we were wrong? You compromised your values to “keep” him/them...and the relationship/friendship still didn’t work out. Now, what?
Society says inflict self-hate, guilt, or just plain denial. However, Christ simply says “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Sure the walk of shame or the pain of disappointment make sting, but that is SO temporary.
Growing weary in the wait? Press. “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Philippians 3:14
The only alternative is to quit, and that is not an option.
Brianna