Growing In Christ

Instead of striving to change your circumstances, let Christ change you through the circumstances you find yourself in.  Instead of walking out of your current circumstances, simply walk with Christ in your present circumstances.

My flesh, in a vain search for peace, has vigorously pressed me to to change my outward circumstances; to find “happiness” by changing my outward identity, status, and circumstances. I have been on and off of this treadmill so much in my life I become weary just thinking about it. Everything was constantly in disarray because I was always trying to move from kingdom to kingdom.

One of the strongholds the Lord sets me free from is my obsession with searching for greener grass–relationships, possessions, achievement, wealth, status, reputation, and better circumstances to make me whole–it is Christ who makes my life whole.  My entire life I have had a need to pursue “better” because I had false beliefs about myself, and along with “better,” came the prospect of inner peace.

But God.  The Father set my feet on the Rock and Christ delivered me from the lies and false beliefs that oppressed me.  I am who He says I am–I am a son.  My Lord revealed to me agape love and it is the love of Christ that compels me.  He is my source for love, guidance, joy, comfort–in Him I find my identity.

The Lord jealously seeks us, lovingly breaks us, and diligently trains us to grow in character. Brothers and sisters, I urge you to submit to the Lord and abide in His love.

John 15:5-9 “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.  These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

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