Monday, March 05, 2007

Calm after the Storm/Struggle

May God’s blessings be upon each of you this day as you begin the work week. I hope and pray that wherever you are, that God would guide and bless you.

Genesis 32:22-32 tells about Jacob’s struggle and wrestling with a “man” all night long. After a long struggle and a series of mutual questions, Jacob received a blessing from God. This long and difficult struggle resulted in a blessing to Jacob.

Yesterday’s sermon was called, “Great Things Happen on the Third Day” and I was sharing how after some “dark” and difficult days in which we encounter the initial impact of the struggle, the calm after the storm begins to settle in as we sense God’s healing grace with us. Just as there was victory for Jesus on the third day of his sacrificial offering so we too have the hope of victory on the “third day” of our struggles.

Struggle is a part of our human existence. At the same time, it is a part of our Christian journey as we are called to participate in Jesus’ suffering. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:10 – “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…” We hear quite a bit about sharing in the power and “wealth” of Christ, but not too much about sharing in his suffering. “To share in Christ’s suffering” is not popular preaching. “Struggling” with God in our discipleship journey is not popular teaching. Yet it is those experiences that shape and form our faith and lead to a deeper love for the Master.

What is your struggle today? How are you called to share in Jesus’ “suffering”? Remember that before, during, and after, God’s grace is present to see us through until we victory on the third day.

Prayer: God, I come to you in thanksgiving for your Son who died to show us the way. Help me to endure through my struggle with the confidence that You be with me each step of the way. In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

By grace alone,
Pastor David

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