Sufficiency

I broke down earlier this week.

It's hard when your music, your ministry, your passion and your plans get screwed up all in one foul swoop (even if temporarily). It's amazing how a couple months can really mess with you. I'm not saying I can't smile and laugh and be joyful, because I can and have...but to say I'm not struggling would be a lie.

But they say every cloud has a silver lining...

Romans 5:1-5

 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations,

knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

and perseverance, character;

and character, hope.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

I can face trials in my life one of two ways: I can turn my back on God (and miss out on the amazing things He wants to do in my life) or I can cling to Him. It's easy for me to ask "why" and to get angry with God. And yeah, He's big enough to handle it. But the better option would be to trust Him.

To trust that all bad things have the potential to be worked together for good (Romans 8:28).

To trust that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

To trust that God's grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

God can use the hard times to help us see it's Him we have to rely on, and it's in Him that our identity is found.

I feel God's asking, "do you believe I'm enough for you?" and "if you believe I am enough, are you going to live out what you believe?"

Whatever it is you want that you don't have, will you be content in Christ even if those dreams never come to be realized? 

If I never sang again this side of eternity, would I know that my identity is found in Christ and be able to praise Him?

For those of us who want to get married, would we live joyously and productively for the Kingdom of God if we remained single?

If the Leafs never win the Stanley Cup again, would you know that life goes on? =P

I'm not trying to be melodramatic. I'm not at all saying that these things will never happen. I tend to believe they will!! (except maybe that last one). I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't pray for things that are important to us. We definitely should! God loves to give good gifts to His children!! But my point today is: no matter what, in good times and bad, who or what is it that you are living for? What gives you purpose? What defines you? If things are exactly how you want them to be, did you thank God for that? Do you believe God can use every circumstance to draw you to Himself and to make you more like Him?

Sufficiency

"If you never get to sing again,

If you never get to sing.

Will you still believe I'm in control of everything?

If he never comes to win your heart,

If he never comes to win.

Will you still know that you are beautiful and not because of him?

I delight in giving you good things,

All good things come from Me.

But more crucial than what you may have is who you are going to be.

This doesn't mean the sun won't come,

But it does mean you must trust

That no matter what you face in life, I'll always be enough.

If your dreams never come to be,

If they never come to be,

Will you see that I'm sufficient and still find joy in Me?

In all your days throughout this life,

None were made to waste.

Will you linger in My presence, trust My power, know My grace?

So do not turn away from Me,

I treasure you so dear.

Please learn that through these ups and downs,

I'm here, My love, I'm here.

It's not fun to see you crying,

And someday I'll wipe your tears,

But through each trial and heartache,

Draw near, My child, draw near."