Enduring Contradictions!
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. (I Peter 1:13).
I will promise to learn what Jesus’ experience, the contradictions of sinners against Himself. (Heb. 12:3). So often my best friends become a snare. (Matt. 16:23). Jesus had to suffer the contradictions of Simon Peter against Himself. What harder trial than to have your own most loyal supporter consciously become your worst enemy? But Jesus endured it. (Heb.12:3).
This is where I fail so often. I do not endure. When opposed by a brother, I feel sorry for myself, lash out in anger, or shrug the whole thing off with a moral philosophy, “that’s the way things are”. How much better for me to learn something from the contradiction. Why should I waste a valuable commodity like a contradiction when it has so many educational benefits for me?
To be contradicted means I can shape my brother, as he can shape me. It is a diamond cutting diamond. God does not send me a contradiction to harass me only Satan harasses, God educates.
Father God sends those contradictions because there is something in my character, like a lack of patience that needs His correction. And likewise, my contradictor has a defect that God intends to correct using me.
Lord, teach me how to endure, as Jesus did. Teach me that snares and obstacles, traps and offenses are only a means of re-forming my ministry to what you have called me. If I keep my eye on the goal, as Jesus did, (Heb. 12:1-2), I will endure. Traps and snares never bother the disciple who is steadfastly looking at his Pioneer and Guide. When the “contradicted one” is in me and is in control, He will be able to cut through the forests of contradictions like an experienced woodman’s. He has gone before me. Now He turns to give me what He has- the life of unruffled trust.
Remember the way you BELIEVE is the way you will SPEAK. And the way you speak is the way you will LIVE.