Part 1
Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
We have come through Tropical Storm Fay and observed our fellow Americans as they have gone through Hurricane Gustav. Next on the list is Hurricane Hanna and right behind her is Ike and Josephine. Right in the middle of storms and constantly keeping our eyes on the weather, I wonder if you have the same trait as I do: Are you a "Mrs. Fix-It?" Whenever I have a problem before me, I jump into the fray of fixing the problem. I take great strides in finding the solution. However, when it comes to things like tropical storms and hurricanes there are no solutions other than falling to our knees and asking the Father for His mercy.Last week we began to look at truths that help us keep a heavenly perspective as we go through the storms of life. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 6:6, we began gathering the truths of purity and understanding. In looking at these two truths, we saw how our trials could come from our sins or be revealing a sin in our lives. A continual look at this Scripture shows us three more truths that help us achieve a heavenly perspective through storms that are beyond our control. These truths are patience, kindness and the Holy Spirit.
Patience:
I am not a patient person. I do not like to wait for anything. This is probably what brings on many storms in my life and definitely brings a stunt in my spiritual growth. James 1:2-8 tells us "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 its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (NIV) The trials we face bring a testing of our faith. This testing develops perseverance and should be embraced and not sped through. When we patiently face our trials with the attitude of joy, then we are developing perseverance and growing in Christ. In essence, we are opening ourselves up to God telling Him that we are ready for Him to work in our lives and expect our faith to be tested. When we go to great lengths to avoid trials, we are blocking God's work within us. We must surrender to God, invite Him to work in our lives and then by faith, patiently embrace the work which takes us through the furnace of refinement. Opening up to God in this manner draws us closer to Jesus and ultimately strengthens our faith.
Kindness:
One thing that goes hand in hand with a person who does not have patience is the lack of kindness. When we are in the midst of storms we seem to loose all willingness to be kind. We don't have time for others and put up a wall to keep from having to express ourselves to them and in return be a recipient of their kindness. It is imperative in times of trial that we practice the act of kindness so that wall will not be built. We must continually search for ways to be kind and in doing so we will allow God to minister us through the trials. In displaying this part of the Holy Spirit's fruit, we will bring blessings straight from the Father's throne. Genuine kindness cannot be mistaken for anything except selflessness. When we open ourselves up to our fellow man in this manner, we are showing God our commitment to Him even through our trials. This is a commitment that the Lord searches for throughout the earth. (2 Chronicles 16:9); a commitment He uses to strengthen us in pursuing our walk with Him.
Holy Spirit:
Where would we be if we were left alone to face trials without the guidance of the Holy Spirit? All the truths we have spoken about could not be obtained if it wasn't for the Holy Spirit that resides within each Christian. When we practice communing with the Holy Spirit daily, we will hear His gentle voice and He will guide us through the storms of life. It is through Him that we can have a pure heart, understanding, patience, and kindness. He is the glue that holds us together. He is our all!!
How are you at weathering the storms of life? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you through? Are you being patient and allowing the Master to mold you into what He has visioned for your life? Take a moment to be still in the midst of your storm; know that He is God and renew yourself in Him. Surrender your will to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to display the parts of His fruit that will not only get you through the storms but strengthen you in Him as well.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to have the desire to grow closer to you and not to rush through the storms in my life. Show me how to be still and know that You are God. Amen.
