GETTING BACK ON TRACK AFTER A DETOUR – Pt. 3
We all have either tasted or had a deeper encounter with languishing. And, as we looked at a snapshot of the life of the Apostle Paul, it’s encouraging to know that even a man of God like him experienced deep languishing – even to the point where he wanted to die (2 Cor 1:5-11). But (remember the importance of the “buts” in Scripture from this past Sunday!) – Paul got back on the journey by cultivating the soil of his heart – with one, basic spiritual secret: embracing weakness. You say, embracing weakness – that’s a contradiction! Through human eyes, it seems like a contradiction. But, through God’s eyes, it makes perfect sense.
Paul showed us that when we hit that decision point of falling or moving forward, of choosing to languish or flourish – the way through it is, with God’s help, to push through right at the decision point (e.g., a decision to choose to sin, a decision to choose to wallow in self-pity, etc.) by clinging to God — by throwing ourselves on God — and then His power takes over and we can now make the right spiritual choice. Embrace your weakness! Don’t run from it. Don’t deny it. Embrace it and at the same time when you experience it – cling to God and His power in you as a follower of Jesus. You know what, life gets easier (2 Cor 12:8-10).
The best way to be ready to face things that come our way is to cultivate the soil of your heart. Take one or two days – or more – this week to practice spiritual journaling. Pick up a journal at any bookstore.
In just 10 minutes a day, experience God and His Word and prepare the soil of your heart for whatever comes your way this week. Start with the Gospel Of John and read through it — at a pace that fits you. The theme verse is John 20:30-31. Or, pick out some favorite passages to use for your Faith Journal time that day. Don’t forget to write out a Faith Step to take after each reading or journaling.