Our Considerable Call to Commitment to Christ When in Crisis Part 2: Committed to God's Will Amid the Storm
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.1 Peter 4:2
In our first installment, we examined our considerable call to remain committed to Christ when crisis enters our lives. We saw that trials have a way of revealing the depth of our faith and challenging us to trust the Lord more fully. But what happens when the crisis doesn't pass as quickly as we hoped?
What do we do when the prayers continue, the answers seem covered, and the burden is not only constant but is considerably heavier than we ever expected? Most of us can endure hardship for a moment. But I submit to you that the greater challenge comes when that moment turns into a turbulent stretch of a season.
It is during those seasons that God often teaches us some of life's most significant lessons. Peter points to us that suffering can accomplish something valuable in the life of the believer. One of the blessings often hidden within hardship is a revived perspective. Crisis has a way of peeling away the distractions that compete for our attention and exposing what truly matters. It causes us to examine our priorities, refocus our hearts, and look to God with fresh dependence.
What once seemed so important can suddenly lose its significance. Things we formerly took for granted, such as God's presence, His peace, His promises, and His people, will become precious again in ways we may not have appreciated before. Peter's reminder is simple yet profound: our lives were never intended to revolve around our own desires, ambitions, attitudes or comfort. We have been redeemed by Christ and called to live for something far greater than ourselves. We have been called to pursue the will of God. That truth does not change when life becomes difficult. Even in our darkest seasons, God's purpose remains good. His presence remains nearby. His grace remains sufficient.
Peter's words remind us that generations of believers have walked through suffering before us. More importantly, Jesus Himself walked the path of suffering. He understands our struggles. He knows our fears. He sees every tear and every burden that we carry. And the same Savior who suffered for us now walks with us. Rather than allowing your crisis to pull you away from Christ, allow it to draw you closer to Him. Bring your questions to Him. Bring your fears to Him. Bring your disappointments to Him. Solidify yourself and lean upon His strength when your's feels depleted. You may not understand everything God is doing in this season, but you can trust the One who is doing the work.
What a fellowship, what a joy divine LEANING on the EVERLASTING ARMS.
Not a sermon, just some thoughts
FtGG