January 11, 2013
Transformational Thought
When faced with difficulties or discomfort of daily storms or life’s challenges, our natural reactions/defenses, or at least the ones that most people learn in our world today, usually fall into one of 2 categories. Either 1. ignore the problem and hope it goes away, or 2. react in a knee-jerk way to the problem while usually bringing immediate relief, often guarantees more actual damage later on. Obviously, neither option works well for long-term fulfillment or peace, but being addicted to comfort as we all are … yes, we all have idols of the heart that we turn to instead of God at times … like a gunslinger from the Old West, we continue to quick-draw these so-called defense “weapons” when we feel threatened by the adversity God allows to enter our day.
I have learned … well no, I actually continue to learn, and sometimes the hard way, that failing to deal with adversity immediately compounds the pain and suffering immensely. Waiting, ignoring, or hiding never makes it better. But I also am still in the process of learning that even though I shouldn’t put it off, I also can’t just immediately react with my not-thought-out knee-jerk response(unless you have been training well). We have to think first and then respond to have the best chance for success especially in challenging situations that press our emotional buttons.
Using either the “ignore it” or “react without thinking” strategy really shows a “my kingdom come, my will be done mentality” thus exposing my lack of faith in God’s promises, track record, character, sovereignty and plan for my life. We really need a “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” mindset. That recognizes His majesty as well as our limitations, not to mention it really is the best for our well-being and optimum plan of attacking the challenge before us.
In the scripture reading for today, Jesus Christ lays down a very important principle: do what you must do now. Do it quickly. If you do not act immediately, if you do not pay the price to settle the adversity, an inevitable process begins … and that process will not stop until you have “paid the last penny.”
Today, think of an adversity that continues to drain you. Why are you not addressing it head on with Godly discernment? Settle that score today, at least to the best of what you can control. God has given you answers to deal with it externally (behaviorally), or internally (inside your head). Don’t procrastinate, act now moving toward the mind of Christ, as that is where you will find God’s peace. Procrastinating or acting clearly and now when facing adversity is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know I have stayed away from Your light for fear that my bad deeds, sins, and adversities will be exposed. I no longer want to live in darkness. I pray, Father, that You will help me live by Your Truth and in Your Light so that all can see what I do is done through You. Help me, Lord, to learn to deal with my adversities immediately so that they won’t fester and grow. But help me see life through Your eyes then respond with Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the One you sent to teach us truth, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:25,26
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. John 3:19-21