Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
We all go through bad things and wonder why they’re happening to us – and today’s message from Pastor Toure Roberts taught me why things happen the way they do.
I’ve always heard Philippians 4:13 and thought I knew what it meant, God will always be there for me. Seemed pretty self-explanatory, until Pastor put it in perspective.
God is not only always going to be there, He is constantly going to strengthen us, and sometimes not in a way we’d like Him to. He’ll either tear down a foundation we’re relying on, or place us in a situation where fear has overcome us. Off instinct, we’d perceive that in a negative way – but really, it’s strengthening in disguise.
Some of the foundations we’ve built and are relying on, were built out of fear: fear of being accepted, fear of not having enough money, fear of being alone, fear of the future – and when we build things in our lives that God did not, He will destroy them simply because that’s not where our focus should be. The focus should be on the foundations He intended for us.
Hebrews 12 – Everything that can be shaken,will be shaken, so that, that which cannot be shaken, can remain.
When God tears down a foundation you built, it’s not so you can have less, it’s ultimately so you can have more. And until you can trust God whole-heartedly and reach that level of maturity He needs you to, you’re not going to get out of that uncomfortable situation, and find that clarity or peace.
Pastor used his son not being able to swim as an example of how God helps us to learn a lesson and overcome our fears. He was thrown in the deep end of the pool, and out of fear, realized he in fact knew how to swim because he panicked and did not want to drown – and has been swimming ever since.
God will throw us in a situation (the deep end of the pool) that you’re afraid to be in to teach you that you really do know how to swim, but just don’t know it yet.
Before today, I found myself wondering why things did not go the way I wanted them to – why were some of my friendships/relationships being destroyed? (Foundations) Why is He allowing me to be in these uncomfortable situations? (Fear) I now understand these things needed to happen so He could take me to the next step of my life – which is always going to be something better for me in the long run.
The overall message is: If you’re in a tough situation, trust and know that God has already pre-qualified you to be there, and you’re going to come out of it a stronger and better person.
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