But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
Spring season and the renewal of life outside are on the way, at least that is what my life experience and the weather forecasters say. As I write this blog, it is snowing outside again in this seemingly never ending winter. This particular year we have had a lot of both snowy and very cold days that have made the winter more challenging than usual. Yet despite the weather of today and the past several months, I am sure that better days are coming and I will once again enjoy my time outside. This my friends, is relatable to an aspect of our faith in God that we all should possess. We all have seasons of hardship and struggle in life, but we need to keep in mind the promises of God and the assurance of better times ahead for those who know Christ as their Savior. The scripture above from the Apostle Peter is a reminder that we need to keep pressing on in our faith life, and grow in knowledge of God and His goodness, despite the circumstances we have now. Peter lived in very difficult days and suffered greatly for His faith in Christ, yet those challenges are the very things that spurred him on to spiritual growth and development in His love for Jesus. Hardships make us look to God and depend on Him in greater ways if we do not give in to grumbling and complaining. God intends for trials to purify us in our faith and character, and to deepen our walk with Him. If we will choose to trust in Him when things “look” dreary or even ominous, God will pour out even more grace on us and will help us to grow in knowledge of Him in ways that prosperity and ease cannot. We must remember that in Hebrews 11:6 we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God. The exercise of faith is tested by hardships and drudgery. The surest sign of our belonging to Jesus and living as a disciple is this growth in grace, faith and knowledge towards Him. As we study the Word of God, yield to the Holy Spirit in us, and press on in faith, despite difficult circumstances, we will find renewal and growth for our soul. Are you facing trials in your life today? Have you been in what seems like a never ending season of winter and struggle? Take heart, God wants to use it for your growth and to increase the intimacy of your relationship with Him! Bow before Him today and thank Him for His love and His desire to work in your life. Thank God for your salvation if you have trusted in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Believe that this season will pass and better days are yet ahead, if not in this life, for sure in eternity. God is good, all the time, and He can be trusted to keep all His promises and to work all things out for good to those who are called of Him and love Him. (Romans 8:28)
Love in Christ,
Pastor Gary Houdek