"But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, 'To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables'" - Mark 4:10-11
Jesus had just spoken to the crowd about the parable of the seed. HE spoke spiritual truth and the disciples like the crowd did not understand the meaning. It is like the Word of God in the Bible. You read the words that are written - you understand, on the natural human level, but there is a deep spiritual meaning that only the Spirit of God can reveal in your heart - not your mind. The Bible must be read and can only be understood in the context of who your Father is, who Jesus is, who the Spirit is and who you are because of your faith and relationship with all three. The life we live on this planet can only, truly, be understood in the context of our new life in Christ.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." - Galatians 2:20
We are saved for eternity, but we continue to live out this life in a fallen - sin sick world. What we experience in this life, both good and bad, God uses to shape us into the image of His Son. We gladly accept the the fact that Jesus suffered and died for us, but we often have a problem with accepting pain and suffering in our own lives. Like God is supposed to prevent that from happening.
"Though he slay me, I will hope in him, yet I will argue my ways to his face." - Job 13:15
The first half of that verse is quoted often .. the second half .. not so much. There is nothing wrong with asking God for understanding .. but don't lose hope in your asking. Don't doubt God .. even though what you are experiencing is difficult to endure.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
I just had a conversation with a friend about this verse in the light of what he and his wife are experiencing. The fact is that God can use them to minister to ithers, and He will if they will allow it. Do you believe that? You may have trouble embracing that truth in the midst or aftermath of some trouble you have faced, but that does not make it any less true. If you seek God and put your hope in Him, you will find comfort. If you blame God and turn away in your heart, you will not. Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, said it this way, "God never wastes a hurt." James wrote that we should consider our trouble joy - not be happy it happened but be Joyful - a fruit of the Spirit - in spite of the trouble. Because of who God is and who we are in Christ.
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:3-4
Writing this encouragement brought a song to my mind by Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge over troubled Waters. This is a song about the natural, but you can easily see the underlying spiritual application.
"When you're down and out. When you're on the street. When evening falls so hard I will comfort you. I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes. And pain is all around. Just like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down."
That is what our God is like! And that my friend is the truth! Jesus is our bridge over the troubled waters of this life.
"I [Jesus] have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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