The website of NC writer Megan Bean
Nothing can guarantee we'll make it through hardship without scars, slip-ups, or shaky moments. But there are things we can do to maximize our chances of suffering in a way that honors God and makes us more like Jesus. And a lot of that work begins long before the trial does.
When we truly, deeply love someone, we’re easily pleased with their gifts. They could give us a rock and we’d treasure it—because it’s from them. If their heart’s in it, our heart responds. I wondered: How pleased am I with what God gives me? What does that say about our relationship? And how does He respond to what I offer Him?
If God wants our sanctification so badly, why doesn't He just skim off our old selves and slip on the new in an instant? Why make us endure the wait?
Sometimes action has to precede emotion. Sometimes we have to trust the power of obedience to shape us, instead of trying to get ourselves in shape to obey.
Trusting God’s purposes is hard enough when bad things invade our lives. But what about when good things leave? When instead of facing an enemy, we face simply...emptiness?
He might be above and beyond us in just about every way. But He also draws close to us in all His holy otherness.
What do you do with the stuff that can't and won't stay buried, yet is still undeniably not what you wanted in your life?
We may not always be sure what to make of what God sends us. But we can always trust and know the One who sends it.
How can we foster genuine, enduring faith in the young people within our spheres of influence?
God is our ultimate Source of faith. But often He provides it through other people.
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