ALL FOR A PURPOSE
Often, I find myself frustrated and burdened by the arguments and divisions that occur among us in the Body of Christ--and, I should be, somewhat; however, God uses even them to serve His purposes. They aren't His perfect will for us, because the Word of God teaches us that love is the more excellent way, and esteeming others more than ourselves is better. That is the example that Christ gave us--and it is the one that Paul taught us and stressed so urgently in his discourse in Philippians 2. Still, we must remember that "ALL things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]." [Romans 8:28-30,AMP] In less words, it's all for a purpose; it's a part of the plan.
There really is no need to stress about the tensions, divisions, fightings and disagreements that occur among us--they certainly call for much prayer, but no more than that. We much address them, because they affect our eternity--how we behave toward one another will affect our eternal destiny. We can't be hateful, and unforgiving and still see Jesus in peace. It cannot happen. If we are unwilling to forgive those who trespass against us, God will not forgive our trespasses. The Greek word for "trespass" is "paraptoma" it can mean either willful or unintentional transgression. Often, our transgressions (as they relate to God) fall into the willful category. We generally, once we come to know Him, don't fall into sin unawares. We do get into sinful behavior by ignoring the little foxes, but even then it involves dismissing the red flags along the way. The Holy Spirit gives warnings to each of His children before we misstep--we have to ignore those in order to sin. Sin becomes a choice, and a willful trespass. God is willing to forgive when we confess our sins to Him; His Word declares that He is faithful and just to do so.
How gracious of God to lavishly grant us such forgiveness! However, we are not so lavish with the mercy and grace we extend to others; but we should be. We may forgive, BUT.... There, is always something attached to our forgiveness to protect ourselves, our well-being. Sincere, true, godly forgiveness doesn't. God leaves Himself open to be hurt, grieved and abandoned by His children--over and over again. That's why He told Hosea to marry Gomer; to show us how we (Israel--spiritual as well as, natural) stray from the goodness and faithfulness of God, repeatedly, returning only after trouble overwhelms us, and there is no place else to run. Like "the prodigal son" in the parable who returned home after he exhausted all of his inheritance on riotous living, too. We forgive more like the wicked servant, who had been forgiven so much (about $10,000,000), but in turn refused to forgive his servant (about $20.00). When we hear this, we think it's such an injustice, but how are we different, when we refuse to forgive or forgive with conditions? We have received superabounding grace that cannot even be counted because it is infinite--having no ending; yet, we are quite miserly with our forgiveness, and very selective.
In today's reading (Acts 15), there were some tensions. They served a purpose. It would have been great if they hadn't happened--make no mistake; God doesn't need our bad attitudes or strife to accomplish His goals in the earth, but when we act out, He can work around us and STILL get the job done (and well), in spite of us! Reminds me of the story of Naomi and Elimelech who left Bethlehem (the House of Bread) for Moab, against the command of the Lord; then Elimelech allowed his sons to marry Moabite women against the command of the Lord. Elimelech and his sons ALL died because of their disobedience. Naomi was faithful as a wife, and God spared her and allowed Ruth to witness her serving her true God. Ruth become the descendant of Jesus Christ. God weaves purpose into and around our foolishness--we cannot thwart His plan, and we do not want to be caught trying to come against the work or people that God has chosen (Acts 5:38, 39). But He doesn't need any of us to be disobedient to His commands to make His plan work. He makes His plan work in spite of our disobedience.
God doesn't give up on His plan or abandon it because we have; or because we get side-tracked. It goes on, with or without us. He doesn't need us--He desires us, but He doesn't need us. We need Him. If our hearts are for Him and His will, it won't matter how far off-track we may get--ask David, ask Paul, ask the disciples, and Moses; ask ME! He will patiently steer us back on track until we are ready and at the appointed time. For such a time as this, His purpose and plan will be implemented in your life. It cannot be stopped--not even by all of the forces of hell. If God sets the plan in motion, IT SHALL BE. Maybe not today, but it will come to pass. Count on it. So, don't worry about the problems, tensions and those who come against you--God has it all in control, and will use your opposers and enemies to make you stronger, better, wiser, and greater in His Kingdom.
In the end, the Gospel went further because of the dissension--could God have done it without the separation? Certainly! And, perhaps (I'd like to think so--in His perfect will), more would have been accomplished if it had not occurred; we may never know. But, don't let the "high places" keep you from anything that God has called you to do. Be encouraged, they (trials, enemies, opposition, etc.) do not determine who you are; your attitude in them, determines that.
Above all, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
There really is no need to stress about the tensions, divisions, fightings and disagreements that occur among us--they certainly call for much prayer, but no more than that. We much address them, because they affect our eternity--how we behave toward one another will affect our eternal destiny. We can't be hateful, and unforgiving and still see Jesus in peace. It cannot happen. If we are unwilling to forgive those who trespass against us, God will not forgive our trespasses. The Greek word for "trespass" is "paraptoma" it can mean either willful or unintentional transgression. Often, our transgressions (as they relate to God) fall into the willful category. We generally, once we come to know Him, don't fall into sin unawares. We do get into sinful behavior by ignoring the little foxes, but even then it involves dismissing the red flags along the way. The Holy Spirit gives warnings to each of His children before we misstep--we have to ignore those in order to sin. Sin becomes a choice, and a willful trespass. God is willing to forgive when we confess our sins to Him; His Word declares that He is faithful and just to do so.
How gracious of God to lavishly grant us such forgiveness! However, we are not so lavish with the mercy and grace we extend to others; but we should be. We may forgive, BUT.... There, is always something attached to our forgiveness to protect ourselves, our well-being. Sincere, true, godly forgiveness doesn't. God leaves Himself open to be hurt, grieved and abandoned by His children--over and over again. That's why He told Hosea to marry Gomer; to show us how we (Israel--spiritual as well as, natural) stray from the goodness and faithfulness of God, repeatedly, returning only after trouble overwhelms us, and there is no place else to run. Like "the prodigal son" in the parable who returned home after he exhausted all of his inheritance on riotous living, too. We forgive more like the wicked servant, who had been forgiven so much (about $10,000,000), but in turn refused to forgive his servant (about $20.00). When we hear this, we think it's such an injustice, but how are we different, when we refuse to forgive or forgive with conditions? We have received superabounding grace that cannot even be counted because it is infinite--having no ending; yet, we are quite miserly with our forgiveness, and very selective.
In today's reading (Acts 15), there were some tensions. They served a purpose. It would have been great if they hadn't happened--make no mistake; God doesn't need our bad attitudes or strife to accomplish His goals in the earth, but when we act out, He can work around us and STILL get the job done (and well), in spite of us! Reminds me of the story of Naomi and Elimelech who left Bethlehem (the House of Bread) for Moab, against the command of the Lord; then Elimelech allowed his sons to marry Moabite women against the command of the Lord. Elimelech and his sons ALL died because of their disobedience. Naomi was faithful as a wife, and God spared her and allowed Ruth to witness her serving her true God. Ruth become the descendant of Jesus Christ. God weaves purpose into and around our foolishness--we cannot thwart His plan, and we do not want to be caught trying to come against the work or people that God has chosen (Acts 5:38, 39). But He doesn't need any of us to be disobedient to His commands to make His plan work. He makes His plan work in spite of our disobedience.
God doesn't give up on His plan or abandon it because we have; or because we get side-tracked. It goes on, with or without us. He doesn't need us--He desires us, but He doesn't need us. We need Him. If our hearts are for Him and His will, it won't matter how far off-track we may get--ask David, ask Paul, ask the disciples, and Moses; ask ME! He will patiently steer us back on track until we are ready and at the appointed time. For such a time as this, His purpose and plan will be implemented in your life. It cannot be stopped--not even by all of the forces of hell. If God sets the plan in motion, IT SHALL BE. Maybe not today, but it will come to pass. Count on it. So, don't worry about the problems, tensions and those who come against you--God has it all in control, and will use your opposers and enemies to make you stronger, better, wiser, and greater in His Kingdom.
In the end, the Gospel went further because of the dissension--could God have done it without the separation? Certainly! And, perhaps (I'd like to think so--in His perfect will), more would have been accomplished if it had not occurred; we may never know. But, don't let the "high places" keep you from anything that God has called you to do. Be encouraged, they (trials, enemies, opposition, etc.) do not determine who you are; your attitude in them, determines that.
Above all, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
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