Resolve to Suffer

Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve- because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin- in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God's will. 1 Peter 4:1,2

This scripture engenders a few trains of thought:

We have to be resolved to suffer, die to ourselves,
If we suffer in the flesh, then it is possible to be done wi sin- interesting!
We can spend out time in the flesh no longer living for human desires but God's will.

Now, does this make you think: 'That's it then! I'm off to be a monk,' or 'I'm off to be a nun.' Ha! I would excuse you for thinking that. Down through the centuries many have done so,moment with good results, some with not so good results.

Personally, I think the greatest challenge is to stay in society and not walk in the flesh. How is it possible? I'm glad you asked! The more I let go of my own understanding, wait, rest in the Lord, the better I am able. When I become anxious, excited or upset I tend to run to my way of thinking and it all goes pear- shaped. In other words- wrong!

I have an example. For the last 12 years I have muddled through Christmas, self-pity doing its best to make me miserable. But, this year I was quietly excited about staying put and waiting for the Lord. I was actually looking forward to a quiet day by myself. Well, my God planned otherwise. My granddaughter is coming to stay Wednesday night through to Saturday. You might say I am gobsmacked. She has never stayed more than a night and now she is staying three. We are making a gingerbread house together and on Christmas Day we are painting together. There will be lots of other things we will do as well, like going to church, playing games, watching movies etc.

I am watching my God take over my business and seeing how He responds to my prayer for the staff. I want to see them break through into new levels and pray accordingly and they do. In the process they are developing as individuals.

On Christmas Day I am watching a little girl and a little boy come to church in new clothes I have provided. I am so looking forward to seeing the excitement on their faces. I am blessed! Amen!

My God goes before me to bless me. I could not control such blessings. Let go and let God, He is so good at what He does, much better than you! Amen!

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