I read this devotion this morning, and it summed up my last post so well that I thought I would share it. This comes from my all time favorite devotion, Streams in the Desert.
The devotional book was written and compiled by L.B. Cowman, a missionary that served with her husband for 16 years in Japan in the very early 1900’s. They had to come home due to her husband’s illness, and she cared for him until he died. I highly recommend this devotion if you are looking for one!
This excerpt comes from the updated version of Streams that was published in 1997.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
The reason that so many people fail to experience this divine principle is that they expect to receive it all without a struggle. When conflict comes and the battle rages on, they become discouraged and surrender. God has nothing worth having that is easily gained, for there are no cheap goods on the heavenly market. The cost of our redemption was everything God had to give, and anything worth having is expensive.
Difficult times and places are our schools of faith and character. If we are ever to rise above mere human strength, and experience the power of the life of Christ in our mortal bodies, it will be through the process of conflict that could very well be called the “labor pains” of the new life.
So true. The reason I do not experience this divine principle of overcoming and showcasing his life and glory is simple. I want the results without the struggle, without the risk, without the hearteache. While some of our spiritual treasure comes by inheritance, the rest is gained by going through the fire.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:12-14
Difficulties lead to wisdom and strength. They lead to the outpouring of more grace, more spiritual gifts, more of Him. Suffering leads to glory… and I can’t think of anything more valuable in all of heaven and earth than His glory! I want to see it, feel it, walk in it, have it emanate from my life.
Glory is not easily gained. If I want to remain comfortable and undisturbed, then I will end up with the cheap stuff. No thanks…
photo credit: borhekinsurance.com (text added)