Knowing God’s Heart Through Suffering

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.ESV.

Some Christians are drawn to God by obtaining a ticket to heaven. Others come to God by first experiencing the fruit of His hands. Yet most if not all will eventually come to truly know HIM through the pain in their life.

Suffering is an experience that most of us avoid at all costs. We find ourselves fleeing from those who may be hurting because of the uncomfortable feelings they reflect in us. Yet the Bible continually highlights how through suffering we cry out to God. Through suffering we realize our limitations and dependency on others. We come to see a side of life that our human side wants to avoid. Yet through pain, most of us learn to lean on God and actually see Him carry us through our ordeal. It is through the suffering that we really come to know the heart of God.

Since He lives in us, we are connected with Him through the Holy Spirit which gives us the privilege of calling Him Papa. Just like a blessed child sitting on the lap of their Daddy, being bounced and playfully being entertained, so is it with us. Yet most of us get so busy with life and forget the eternal relationship we possess with Him, we need a catalyst to draw us back. Without suffering, most of us would totally ignore God.

So instead of having a self-pity party with the pain you are going through, cry out to your Daddy. Be frank with Him. Be open with Him. Be totally transparent with Him. He may or may not change your circumstances, but you will discover the internal fortitude (shalom) He provides so you both may travel through the pain together. In hindsight, you will realize how the hand of God moves you to come to know His heart through your suffering.

God Almighty is your heavenly Dad. He cares for you and wants what is best for you. Like the athlete, short term pain leads to long term gain. Suffering is the least desired but eventually the most practical way for us to experience the heart of God in our life.  Therefore, the quicker you can learn to lean on him through the ordeal, the faster you will come to realize his hand in your life.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Discipleship 360
Author of e-Books:

*  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
*  Great Business Emulates a Good God
*  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
*  Simply The Messenger
*  Unequally Married

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Copyright 2017 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Kingdom Actions #1

Dr. Mike Kingdom Actions

Romans 15:1
  • We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.ESV.

 

This morning while biking I experienced God’s Kingdom in action. The bike path takes us through a public park which maintains a 1/2 mile circular track for runners and bikers. No vehicles allowed. However today, a F-150 pickup truck decided to jump onto the track as a short-cut to the football field.  As the truck came toward me, it brought back memories of those early childhood bike games we played in the parking lot next to the library. It was called “chicken.”

Two 8 or 9 year old boys would line up their bikes across from each other on each end of the parking lot. We would count to three and ride directly toward each other at full speed. The one who chicken-out by turning away at the last minute to avoid a collision would be the loser. The other would be the winner through default.  I never avoided the collision as a youth.

Today as the maintenance truck sped toward me, my youthful “chicken” mentality initially kicked-in. However, the grown up adult mind quickly came back as I realized a bike collision into a moving truck would cause more damage to me than he. Therefore I was ready to get off the cement trail unto the grass knob and give the heavy metal truck the right-of-way. However, just then  the truck turned itself off the trail onto the grassy knob allowing me to continue without turning. The stronger gave way for the weaker.

A smile then crossed my face. I just witnessed God’s kingdom in action.  Those of us who are stronger, those of us in position of leadership, those of us who have more, need to serve those with less. When the opportunity presents itself, we are to step aside and help those who are weaker. Instead of lording over those who are weaker, we are to serve them.

It may have been a pickup truck and bike, but it was a friendly reminder that God’s ways work. How about your world? Where do you see God’s kingdom in action?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Discipleship 360
Author of e-Books:

*  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
*  Great Business Emulates a Good God
*  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
*  Simply The Messenger
*  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2017 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

 

 

Be The Message

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.ESV.

As a rabbi breathes the text, lives the text, and teaches the text, so do their disciples.  The most powerful sermons are always unspoken. The best disciple-making method is simply to be the message. Are you living the message?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Discipleship 360
Author of e-Books:

*  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
*  Great Business Emulates a Good God
*  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
*  Simply The Messenger
*  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2017 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved