40 Days of Seeking First the Kingdom of God
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Daily Insight
Through our struggles, God develops 'Kingdom Grit' within us—a resilience and steadfastness that keeps us anchored in Him, growing our faith and character.
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John 16:33 (CSB)
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.
Imagine you're a citizen of a powerful kingdom, but you're currently living in a foreign land. This kingdom you belong to is not just any kingdom; it's the Kingdom of God, ruled by the greatest King ever known, Jesus Christ. Now, in this foreign land, challenges and troubles are a given. It's like being an ambassador in a country that doesn't always align with your home kingdom's values and laws.
Think of it this way: You're in this world, but not of it, just like an ambassador is not of the country they're stationed in. Your true citizenship is in God's Kingdom. John 16:33 reminds us that Jesus has spoken to us so that we may have peace. In this world, you will face troubles, but take heart, for our King has overcome the world. This promise from Jesus is like a royal decree that assures us of victory, even when the current circumstances look grim.
In Kingdom living, these troubles and sufferings are not just random hardships. They're part of the training ground. They prepare us for greater responsibilities and deeper trust in our King. They shape us to be more effective ambassadors, showing the world what it looks like to live under the reign of Christ. Just like training can be tough for an athlete or a soldier, our spiritual training can be tough too. But it's designed for our good and for the advancement of God's Kingdom.
God Uses Problems as Correction for Sin
Hebrews 12:6-7 (CSB)
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastises every son he receives. Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?
Continuing our exploration of Kingdom living, let's turn our attention to a more challenging aspect: correction. As citizens of God's Kingdom, we understand that our King, in His wisdom and love, uses problems and difficulties as a means of correction. This is not to say that every problem is a direct result of sin, but rather that God can use our struggles as a disciplinary tool, much like a loving father corrects his child.
Consider this: In any kingdom, there are laws and expectations. When we, as citizens, deviate from these, there's often a form of correction to bring us back on track. Similarly, in the Kingdom of God, our Father uses life's problems to draw our attention to areas where we might be straying from His path. Hebrews 12:6-7 reminds us that Kingdom discipline is a sign of God's love and His treatment of us as His children.
In the context of Kingdom living, when we face trials and tribulations, it's worth asking ourselves: Is there something God is trying to teach me through this? Is this a call to self-examination and repentance? Perhaps these challenges are reminders to align our will with God's will, to turn away from worldly temptations, and to embrace the values of the Kingdom more fully.
God Uses Problems to Increase Kingdom Grit
Hebrews 12:1–2 (CSB)
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,
keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
In the grand tapestry of Kingdom living, problems are not mere obstacles; they are divine tools used to cultivate what I like to call 'Kingdom Grit'—a steadfast, resilient character that's essential for every believer. This grit isn't about mere human endurance; it's about a spiritual toughness that's deeply rooted in reliance on God. It's about growing in patience, humility, and perseverance, virtues that are foundational to our Christian walk.
Developing Reliance on God: In the comfort of smooth sailing, it's easy to rely on our own strength and wisdom. However, when the storms of life hit, we are reminded of our limitations and our need for divine guidance and support. It's in these moments of trial that our dependence on God intensifies. We learn to lean not on our understanding but on His unfailing promises and character. This deepening reliance is a key aspect of Kingdom Grit—it's understanding that our strength comes from our Almighty King.
Cultivating Patience: Patience is more than just waiting; it's about maintaining faith and tranquility amid trials. In a world that prizes instant results and quick fixes, Kingdom living calls for a patience that waits on God's timing. Through problems, we learn that God's plans unfold in His perfect timing, not ours. This waiting is not passive; it's an active trust in God's faithfulness. As we develop this patient endurance, our character is refined, aligning more closely with the values of God's Kingdom.
Building Humility: Problems have a way of humbling us, reminding us that we are not the masters of our fate. In the face of life's challenges, we realize our need for God and for others. This humility is a vital part of Kingdom Grit. It keeps us grounded in the truth that we are God's creation, dependent on His grace. It removes the pride that can often cloud our judgment and opens us up to receive God's wisdom and guidance.
Strengthening Perseverance: Perseverance is not just about enduring hardships; it's about remaining steadfast in our faith and commitment to God despite these hardships. Through every problem, big or small, we are trained to hold fast to our faith, to keep running the race set before us. This perseverance is a testament to the enduring power of our faith and the sustaining grace of our King.
So, let's embrace each challenge with courage and hope, knowing that in every trial, God is refining us for His greater purpose. Our struggles are not signs of His absence, but rather, they are the very places where His presence can be most powerfully felt. Let us hold fast to our faith, run the race with endurance, and continually look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. In Him, we find the strength to overcome, the grace to persevere, and the assurance that in the Kingdom of God, even our deepest trials are woven into a beautiful tapestry of His redemptive plan. Remember, in Christ, we are more than conquerors, and through Him, we can face every challenge with Kingdom Grit.