Day 31 – Month in Summary
Scripture focus: . . .I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:19 NIV
(1). The silence of God, suffering, and even sin – both ours and others, does not mean that God is punishing us, withholding himself from us, etc. We must develop a foundation of belief in the character of God that is consistent with truth and not dependent upon upbeat feelings or pleasing circumstances.
(2). God has big plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10) and not a single item from #1 above makes this truth any less true. Our true identity and purpose is found only in Christ (See Ephesians 1:11)
(3). It takes a big heart to accept the challenge of such a gigantic adventure. Our hearts are vulnerable, and must be guarded. Cyclical suffering is bad; productive suffering is medicine for the heart.
(4). The world can be cruel – get used to it. Suffering is inevitable but not enviable. We must reframe our perspective on suffering in order to guard our hearts.
(5). Mercy is when God takes pity on the suffering; grace is God’s unmerited favor towards those who have caused suffering. Transformation is the by-product of humbly accepting God’s blessings even when they arrive wrapped in suffering.
(6). There are five roadblocks to recovery that can derail our best intentions: stubborn resistance, good intentions, arrogant entitlement, resentment and disconnected isolation.
(7). Humility, willingness, and a commitment to healthy intimate relationships are antidotes to these roadblocks.
(8). God’s perspective on blessing is radical.
(9). There’s a danger in relying on false spirituality as a panacea for our suffering.
(10.) If Jesus relied heavily on clarity of vision, single-minded purpose, a strong sense of identity, discipline and big believing in the one who sent him – we should probably pay attention to his example.
(11). Acceptance and “making a decision” are two different concepts. Both are valuable.
(12). Suffering is not necessarily the result of sin (living independently of God). Sometimes it’s an invitation. Whether one’s suffering is self-inflicted or not, God’s response to our suffering is consistent. God’s prevailing purpose ALWAYS is founded upon his love, grace, mercy AND his commitment to our salvation. God wants none to perish.
This completes the first thirty one steps of your 365 step journey; I pray you are nearer to God as a result of the steps you’ve taken this week. You have 334 steps remaining.
Recommended reading: Exodus 12 and 13 in the morning; Matthew 21 in the evening
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 TNIV
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