December 4, 2010 Out of Comfort Into Conflict

Out of Comfort, Into Conflict

Day 19: Luke 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

THIS verse always stops me in my “tracks” so to speak. I know, it doesn’t sound like much, but it is very much.
At Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s home Mary is in a very safe place. Elizabeth totally understands what Mary is going through. Zechariah knows what it is like to hear from and speak to an angel. They understand! Mary’s growing tummy is not a threat to them.
But when she goes home, the whispers will start and grow to shouts of condemnation. Questions will be asked. She can only tell the truth, but certainly no one will believe her. Why not just stay with Elizabeth?
Why not? Sounds good, but it won’t be good. That’s not what God wants her to do. Mary has to go marry Joseph.
Here is one of the first steps of faith the Virgin takes. She can stay with what she knows in comfort. How will she have the strength to go down that road of uncertainty? How will she trust God, who has given her a mission but not a clear picture of everything she would face. Actually she needs that humility she mentioned earlier.
You need it, too. God loves you. And he wants you to grow deeper in love with him. To do so, you need to let go of your fears and “comfort” and trust God down paths of uncertainty with God leading the way.
You may “like” where you are—even if it’s harmful to you because you know the place. In a way, it’s safe for you. But God wants you to let go of yourself and hold on to him. That’s where Mary is going—down the pathway with God because he has called her. Yes, this is indeed, “very much”.


Pause and Consider: Oh yes, can I ask you, “Where are you going?”


Troubles are Good?
Read James 1 - 2

James 1:2, 12-13 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
&
James 1:12-13 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. 13 Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

DO YOU enjoy the trials in your life? Of course you don’t. Trials are debilitating, hurtful things that sap your energy, destroy your ability to enjoy life, and suck up the energy you need to live as you worry about them. Sounds pretty icky doesn’t it? Do you really want to let trials run your life? Or would you prefer to let God’s Word run your life?
What would happen to your mind, to your thought processes, to you attitude, if you counted your trials as joy? Quite simply, you would change.
Yes, you would find pleasure in life. You would be thankful for the little blessings and the ordinary goodness of each day. Finding joy in trials would ease your mind. You wouldn’t have to worry because you don’t worry about joyful things. You accept them and rejoice in them.
You would also live with expectation. You would realize that an attitude of joy regarding the trials in your life would lead to a special blessing from God!
Imagine that! Your earthly trials can lead to a special blessing God has planned for you if you patiently endure your trials. Yes, you will receive a crown of life!
Trusting God especially in times of your earthly trials will open your life to receive God’s blessing of joy now, preparing you for a life of joy with him forever.


Pause and Consider: a joy approach to the trials in your life.