Shape of My Heart (Backstreet Boys, 2000)

While talking with a friend today, I shared a trial I'm living through. She did the same. In the end, we both decided, sometimes the process of being on the potter's wheel absolutely sucks! Instead of being put on a wheel, turned every which way, and pushed & prodded into something useful, we'd much prefer to just instantly become beautiful vases!

The Word tells us to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." But, let's just be honest for a moment. How often do you encounter trouble and think about how excited you are to endure it? Not much? Me neither. Truthfully, sometimes, God is working on me and it's great! Other times, I just want to skip the painful process and get to the good stuff.

But, as I look back over my life and consider all the troubles...I know they

produced great things. Yes! There was plenty of pain and sorrow. But, the work done in my heart for Christ, has been greater. It's been true in my life that the testing of my faith has developed perseverance. More than that, it's taught me to trust the Lord and depend on Him for change and true healing. Only He can do it!

Through every trial, He's proven Himself faithful and true. I often don't understand or even like what He's doing. But, in the end, He brings me through stronger, better, and more faithful. He uses every trial to shape me more into a vessel He can use.

It's so true that His ways are so much higher than ours. So, while we endure these sometimes sucky situations, let's cling to Him and never doubt His love for us. He's not trying to hurt us. He's trying to heal and free us from every hurt...and sometimes, that's a painful process.

(James 1:2-3, Isa. 55:9, Jeremiah 18:1-6)

Steady On (Point of Grace, 2002)

Okay, so I've never professed to be the most decisive of people. That's my disclaimer for today since I'm going to deviate from Philippians 4. Instead, I want to look at Philippians 3:13-14.

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind me, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I've heard many a sermon and spoken with so many that see "those things behind" as all the sinful acts from which we've been redeemed once we repent. I definitely see that in these verses. But, today, the Lord reminded me of some other aspects of "those things which are behind."

Let's admit it, sometimes, sin feels good to our flesh. So, there are times Satan tries to use those past things to not make us feel guilty, but to make us feel good. I can recall instances in life when he's tried to remind me of how good it felt to sin in my anger, act like a glutton, gossip, or engage in immoral behavior. But, when I line that up with God's Word and think about the life I have in Jesus Christ, I know those things that once felt good to my flesh were grief to my spirit. Though they felt good for a moment, the end was death. Death of a relationship, my kindness, integrity...the list goes on and on. So, thank the Lord that He gives me perspective when Satan tries to remind me of those sinfully fun things of my past.

Also, sometimes, there are things in my past that were God glorifying great works. That's good, right? Sure it is...but not if I dwell on them to excuse myself from what God is calling me to complete today. At times, the enemy uses those things to try and increase apathy in me. I find myself thinking: "Well Lord, I spent all day praying and worshipping you yesterday. It's not that crucial if I don't put you first today." Even if I felt the Lord nudging me towards a particular act of worship or service, I'm sad to admit that I've been guilty of thinking: "But, I did _____. Why can't someone else do that?" But, God calls me from glory to glory to glory, not to rest on the good works of yesterday.

So today, the Lord is reminding me to forget those things in my past that would hinder me in anyway: Forget those sinful acts that Satan would use to make me feel defeated; forget those sins that Satan lies and tells me were just for fun; and forget the "great" things that I think I've done for the Lord. Instead, continue on to the works He's calling me to complete today. Everyday of this Christian walk, I'm given new grace, new power, and new blessings! So, I'm going to forget the old and press on toward the prize of my high calling!

Something the Lord Made (Mos Def, 2004)

Was Mos Def nominated for an Emmy for this performance? He definitely earned it and proved his acting ability to the world. If you haven't seen this movie--based on a true story--go out and get it today! It has medical themes, so it's befitting of today's topic.
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My one year old son is suffering from some type of cold/sinus/respiratory infection (or something similar). In short, he has a runny nose coupled with chest and head congestion. His breathing is labored and loud. I feel so bad for the poor little guy. To help, I of course reach for what any mom would...the nasal aspirator.

Can you imagine how much "fun" cleaning his nose is? He screams, cries, flails, kicks, and pushes my hands away. There's snot flying all over the place. I don't blame him. I'm sure it's no fun to have some plastic thing sucking mucus out of your nose. But, it's for his good, and afterwards, he can breath a lot better.

It makes me think of those times that the Lord allows me to go through uncomfortable things--for my good. I remember: the heartbreak of losing a boyfriend or friend that was destructive to me; feeling the financial strain of saving money & paying off debt; or even, being denied something that I really wanted. As I reflect on those times, I know it was for my good. The Word is true in that, "...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

So, the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation--don't automatically assume it's a bad thing or some spiritual attack. Sometimes, it just may be God's way of sucking the snot out of your nose. It's uncomfortable, it feels weird, and it's irritating. But, just as my son figured out it would be over quicker if he stopped fighting and let me work, God wants us to do the same.

Allow Him to work--to clean up the things that are making it difficult for you to breathe. You'll feel so much better afterwards.