The offenses against you are the trials that perfect you… (John MacArthur). The only person I know of besides Jesus who seems to have circumvented that is Enoch who “Walked with God and he was not for God took him” (Gen 5:24). There is a lot of work for God to do on the rest of us because we are not mirror images of Jesus (Yet).

The #1 way God grows, matures, and makes Christians holy is through hardship and difficulty. Blessings, ease, and comfort just do not get our attention nor do they cause us to seek God. Only trials drive us to God. So I ask you to go back and read Dr. MacArthur’s quote…

Whatever the stresses or difficulties we deal with are first and primarily God calling us to a closer walk with Him. He is much more concerned with our sanctification and holiness than our comfort, ease, or safety. Not only that, God has chosen to use tribulation to increase our rewards in heaven. If you think there is another way God accomplishes Christ-likeness, you need to reconsider your position.

fruitSo here is a suggestion: Next time you find yourself in the midst of a trial, pray Ja 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Your prayer may go something like this…

Father, You know much better than I the areas I need to work on to become more like Your Son. Right now I’m clueless about what You are doing, so would you please help me understand… so I can work with You? I ask you Father to fill me with Your Spirit. Make me to hate the sin in my life as You do. Give me the strength I need to love what you love. Help me to do what I cannot do and give me the desire to desire what you are making me to be. Do whatever You need to do to glorify Your Holy Name. Help me to bear fruit that will honor You.