Think back for a moment. When was the time you grew the most in your walk with the Lord? Was it during a time when everything was going just fine, or was it at a tough time in your life? As for me, it’s always been the tough times. I once heard a pastor say, “It hurts when God stretches us, but that’s the only way we grow!” I guess that’s right too. If I had things MY way, I’d just cruise on day-to-day with things going perfectly. God thinks otherwise, however! Just today I was engrossed in my Bible, turning page after page of Scripture that I completely agreed with and that I felt 100% comfortable with in my life. Just then, a paragraph or two hit me like a brick! “I don’t do well here,” I thought… and then I thanked God for the slap! Now that’s something I never thought I’d do!
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:12-15
In Christ,
PastorJimKilby @Kilbin8er
Jim@JamesKilby.com