First Steps – March 4, 2019

C. S. Lewis once said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

What do you think of Lewis’ statement? Is he right? I believe he is. Often faith blossoms in difficulty. I wish it were the other way around so when one is at ease that faith would stretch and mature. It would be nice. Boy, wouldn’t that be great? However, there is something about human nature that longs for status quo, homeostasis. Pleasure by nature is easy, anxiety free, and doesn’t require levels of change. When life is easy, we simply stay put.  Build a nest, settle down and don’t grow. Pain is the opposite and by nature necessitates change that provides the best environment for growth.

However, don’t assume God is the cause of pain; that conclusion would be contrary to his nature. But God can use a painful experience that already exists so that the parties involved can learn, grow, and mature. Ultimately, God wants the nature of Christ formed in all of us. Granted, there are times when the forming of Christ’s nature naturally fits. For those times, give thanks. On the other hand, there are times the round peg is trying to fit into a square hole. In those painful experiences, see beyond the pain and what ultimately can come from it.
 

 


This week’s reading:
  • Monday – Luke 6
  • Tuesday – Luke 7
  • Wednesday – Luke 8
  • Thursday – Luke 9
  • Friday – Luke 10
 
Please Pray for:
  • The United Methodist Church and General Conference, March 9, 2019 in Tifton, Georgia.
  • Our families, homes, workplace, church, and community.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • Those suffering due to catastrophic natural disasters.
  • Those who are grieving and depressed.
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • ​Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Completion of New Youth Building and rear parking.