I am reading an awesome book that my son loaned me in God’s perfect timing of course! It is by Mark Batterson, In A PIT WITH A LION ON A SNOWY DAY. I highly recommend it! One of the key points of the book is this: God is in the recycling business. He uses our pain for someone elses gain. Just like Jesus! He endured the pain and suffered the shame for our gain. This book is so rich with practical wisdom for us! The basis of the book is the story of Benaiah, son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel.
2nd Samuel 23: 20-23
20 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 21 And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. 22 Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. 23 He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
Pastor Batterson goes on to talk about our perspective and how we look at the trials and God in the midst of them. Do we see them as Gods punishment or worse, His lack of love and goodness- Or do we see them as examples of His love for us, His power and goodness- and platforms for Him to turn our trials and pain into gold for His glory and our holiness.
I firmly believe that the trials and pain of the last 10 years… God has utilized for my refinement, His glory, and preparation for the works He has prepared for me. Besides the talents He has given me to utilize for this “work”, more importantly, He has given me many different experiences of pain and suffering from which to bless others during their times of pain. Just like when we go to school… we take a variety of classes that give us book knowledge but the classes that best prepare us for our careers are the hands on, live experiences in the work place.
There is no teacher like that of experience. I think my favorite name for Jesus is Emmanuel…. GOD WITH US. After all, He is God, and He could have fixed the mess we were in some other way… but He chose to become one of us… to experience pain, suffering, sadness, loss and separation from His Abba.
God is a verb, because He is love, and love is action. So, it stands to reason, that He wants his kids living this out- loving our neighbor as ourselves. Dieing to self and living out His love like Jesus did. The only way that we will be successful at this is if we will abide in Him. “apart from me, you can do nothing”- Jesus knew- He walked this out with His Father.
One of my favorite songs is Trials turned to Gold- by Keith Green. I have included it for your blessing.
Trials Turned to Gold- By Keith Green
He’s brought me here
where things are clear
and trials turn to gold
He’s shared with me
His victory
He won in days of old
oh Lord, i don’t deserve
the riches of Your world
but You changed my filthy rags
to linen white as snow
the view from here
is nothing near
to what it is for You
i’ve tried to see
Your plan for me
but i only acted like i knew
oh Lord, forgive the times
i’ve tried to read your mind
cause You said if i’d be still
then i would hear Your voice
my Lord, my King
my urge to sing
and praise the things above
now words could say
the glorious way
You’ve changed me with Your love
He’s brought me here
where things are clear
and trials turned to gold
Prayer- Abba, Jesus and Spirit divine… thank-you for my trials, for all the tears, the pain and suffering. I know I have only experienced the start of what you will do with these trials. How you will use them for gold in peoples lives, for your glory! I long for the day when I will fully know your amazing grace, love and favor. To be whole and complete in relationship with you! Until that glorious day..help me to abide in your love and walk it out! Love- your Son, Jon
