Tag: glory

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The Privilege of Suffering?

The Manna Chef

You know how some things that may be really good for you don’t always taste so great?  You know it’s nutritious, but if you’re being honest, you’d rather eat something that is delicious and sweet—maybe even with some chocolate in it?  Well, that’s how I felt this morning when I read Philippians 1:29 (NLT):

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.

Let me be real with you; when I read it, I did not want to stand up and shout, “Hallelujah!”  I sat very still and thought, “Aw man!  More suffering?”  You see, as a Sister who has been walking in relationship with the Lord for quite some time, I have experienced some devastating, life-altering moments.  The thought of more suffering makes my mind weary and my body tired.  No one wants to suffer, right?  And I’m not going to try to put a “holy spin” on it either.  Suffering hurts.  It doesn’t feel good.  Even Jesus asked, “Is there another way to do this?”  (Matthew 26:39) 

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Fill Me Up, Lord

The Manna Chef

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like you simply have nothing else to give?  We get pulled in so many directions sometimes; it can be hard to just catch your breath, let alone function at a high level on a daily basis.  And the demands of everyday life never seem to stop, just a constant pull on you spiritually and naturally.  You ever just get tired of being tired?  I have definitely been there.  It’s in these moments that we have to really press to get into the Presence of the Lord.  He promised to renew us, but sometimes we get so caught up in the chaos that we forget that and try to operate under our own strength.  Well, guess what ladies?  That gets old really fast.  In our own strength, we are extremely limited. 

God recently reminded me that it’s in my weakest moments that His strength is made perfect.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  He reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you.”  In other words, you have enough and you are enough because I am in control.  It’s in those moments that we rely totally on Him, not our own strength, experiences, or knowledge.  And it’s those times that we have no choice but to turn to God.  And He doesn’t disappoint; God shows up and He shows out.  Well, now God is teaching me how to rely on Him for everything—even those things I think that I have a good handle on.  You know, the day goes a lot smoother when you consult God at the start of the day instead of waiting until a crisis to talk to Him.

God can fulfill our needs in ways we can’t begin to imagine.  There are many examples of God’s ability to move us beyond our own abilities and resources, but the Holy Spirit led me to this one to share.  It’s an example of God’s supernatural provision.

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