MY WAY

My sweet friend, when asking for prayer, always prefaces it with, "Do not ask for whatever it may take."  We all laugh--but how much truth is there in this statement for all of us?  

"Not thine will, but mine," for after all our way has to be the best way, RIGHT?  We get our head wrapped around how life should look, and remind God 
when praying of our picture perfect plan.  After all, won't it bring you great glory, Lord, for my life to look like a fairy tale?  The false doctrine of the Gospel of Prosperity is a toe stumpier for most of us.

What is wrong with God lavishing us with plenty?  Why not live the life style of the rich and famous here on this earth?  God told Jabez He would increase His territory, so surely, He meant the same for us?  How we love to cherry pick verses to suit our needs and preferences.

The Word tells us Jesus is to be our example


For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
I Peter 2:21

Wait a minute---I want to follow you--BUT suffering--surely we are not called to suffer, but instead live lives of abundance.  Something tells me our definition of abundance and God's are two very different things.

My idea of abundance is a snazzy sports car, world travels, amazing adventures, and no pain or suffering.  BUT when we examine the life of Jesus, we find a completely different picture--lots of walking, all within a very small area, a life of bare necessities, not riches, and LOTS of pain and suffering.  

There is this concept of sanctification in our faith.  The process of seeking to live as Jesus lived--holy-complete.  We are made holy by the blood of Jesus.



1So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
Hebrews 13:12

So our wishing well of prayers becomes dried up when we understand our purpose is to live as Jesus lived.  Give me strength, Lord, to live in this manner.  For quite frankly, I like it easy, I do not enjoy suffering nor pain, and this promise that life will not be easy is hard to swallow.  It turns out my daily prayer to walk the path He has for me--may be a difficult path.  OH--but at the top of the mountain--the view--after the long difficult walk---is the most glorious thing you could ever imagine.


3 comments

  1. Even the valley is beautiful when looking at is from God's perspective! I love this!!!

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  2. Keeping our eyes on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Our prize, our goal, our joy, our crown!

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  3. Another good lesson. I'm not into suffering either. I've known some mentally ill people who went out of their way to make their lives miserable, but it's not my cup of tea. Thankfully, the Lord understands that. ~:)

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!