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.”
Every season of life brings both blessings and its own set of trials and tribulations. When it comes to our trials, we often want God to do a removing job when He's trying to do an improving job. We must not forget that when we're engaged in Kingdom living, all our struggles have a sanctifying purpose. If you feel like your trials and tribulations have caused you to lose traction regarding your Kingdom purpose, then I want to propose three principles that indicate you're ready to get back on track.
1. When Your Mind Has Been Renewed
Romans 12:2 (CSB)
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
The world is always trying to get you to conform to its way of thinking, but the Word of God has the supernatural power to transform your mind into a renewed style of Kingdom thought processes. It's like a filtering mechanism in your brain that every thought must pass through, removing all the worldly trash and inserting Kingdom truth. Just as 2 Corinthians 10:5 (CSB) says, “…and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.” The renewing of your minds is how God's transforms you from the inside out. You’re prepared to get unstuck once your mind has been renewed and your will has been conformed to Christ’s authority over your life.
2. When You’ve Been Trained Through Your Affliction
Hebrews 5:8 (CSB)
Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.
Without this turning into a Greek lesson, it’s important that we understand that Jesus is God, and He knows everything. The Greek word for “learned” in Hebrews 5:8 is “manthanō” which was used to convey a training process. When someone is training a horse to be ridable, we say, “they’re breaking the horse.” Have you been through afflictions in the past that have broken your pride? If so, you know what I'm talking about. The breaking process is crucial before we can walk in Kingdom freedom.
3. When You’re Ready to Live Your Kingdom Purpose
Acts 13:36 (CSB)
For David, after serving God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and decayed,
You must understand that living your Kingdom purpose is not a destination but a direction. It is not about acquiring a certain position, doing a certain work, or living in a specific place. It’s pursuing the Kingdom of God above all other pursuits. Jesus summed up what it means to live your Kingdom purpose in Matthew 6:33 (CSB), “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”
Living your Kingdom purpose is more about seeking than doing. As you're seeking first the Kingdom of God, you'll be living your Kingdom purpose. It's impossible not to do so! So don't focus on the arrival of your Kingdom purpose, but rather, prioritize the journey of seeking first the Kingdom of God. When you understand this principle, you’ll be prepared to shake off any shackles that might attempt to prevent you from living your Kingdom purpose. True freedom is not the absence of struggles but the inner liberation that is found in living for eternity here and now.
You must keep in mind that, in the midst of your trials, God is more concerned with doing an “improving job” rather than a “removing job.” It's only natural that we want to get out from under our afflictions quickly. However, we must know that the struggles we endure might be the tools of sanctification that are preparing us to recognize our Kingdom purpose in our generation more clearly.
So the renewing of your mind, coupled with the lessons you're learning through affliction, and the pursuit of Kingdom living are not just milestones; they’re stepping stones to more effectively live your Kingdom purpose. I encourage you not to run from your challenges but to lean into them, praying that God will reveal to you His Kingdom purpose in your affliction. And always remember dear reader, that in Christ, you can courageously face all your challenges, because in Him you're more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).