Author: Bill

2 Corinthians 12:7: “And lest I should be exalted above measure by
the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me,
a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.”
Biblical Principles for Successful Living

As Christians, we must remember that our primary goal in life
is to become more Christlike and develop in ourselves the character
of our Savior. This most often happens through some seemingly
unpleasant catalysts. When we face trials — persecutions, wrongful
accusations, or a host of things that we just don’t understand — our
first inclination is often to ask, “Why me?” This has often been my
first reaction. “Why me, Lord? Why do these things keep happening?”
Then I have realized that I always seek the Lord and pray more in
times like that. Most of my personal spiritual growth has occurred
when clinging to the Bible in prayer, asking God for his constant
protection and blessing.

True success in the Christian life is to grow more Christlike, not
merely to be happy. The experiences of life reveal more and more to
us about our own true nature. Trusting in God at these times delivers
us from the slow and subtle spiritual malaise of carefree, problem-free
prosperity and develops an iron-clad faith. Be at least a little thankful
for trials and tribulations. As they did with Paul and so many others,
they will result in a beautiful finished product — making us more
Christlike, humble servants of the living God.

1. John 5:5, 6: “ Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, ’Do you want to be made well?’”  (NKJV)

Do you find it unusual that the Lord would ask a person who had been sick for somany years if he wanted to be well? Of course, since the Lord asked the question we know it is a great question, but why? Perhaps because the feeling of comfort and the willing acceptance of the miserable situations we may be in are really an excuse for not going further with God. We can get verycomfortable in our misery, and we can fear any change. The status quo can also provide us with an excuse for neglecting to try for positive change.

You really will not be determined to change anything that you are comfortable with and can live with. I have heard it said that some people “don’t feel right if they don’t feel wrong”. I can empathize completely. People become comfortable with constant self-condemnation. Other people accept their weaknesses in certain areas, using them as convenient excuses for not moving past their current life experiences, opting instead to be comfortable in spiritual or personal mediocrity.       

Many times, people become accustomed to second best outcomes and become content in the misery or mental fog that has accompanied them for so long. One of the key catalysts for change is that you must truly be fed up with the current situation. Too often, however, the status quo is a convenient crutch that gives us the perfect excuse to avoid trying anymore. The phenomenon of not truly wanting to move forward to become spiritually better is far more common that we realize. Check yourself and see what you are stuck in that really needs to be changed. The Bible promises you a much better option if you are willing.