We Get Better – Week Four

My brain tends to process from the big picture to the practical. If I don’t know why I need to do something or how it ties into the larger purpose, I struggle with motivation. When working on a project, if I don’t see how the pieces fit together, I ask lots of questions and work toward finding the why.

My strategic thinking can be an asset; it also can be a liability, especially in following God. I always want to know what’s coming next. I struggle to try to wrap my mind around and solve all the “problems” I see. Then, when I don’t understand, I tend to shut down.

Thankfully, God doesn’t give up on me when I ask questions. He is patient and kind. And He is ready to help me grow and get better at living out this Christian walk.

Over the past few weeks, I have found myself both challenged and comforted by the book of 1 Peter. Reading through these chapters numerous times, I am reminded that my life’s outcome is not limited to the here and now. The true result of my faith is eternal.

When I focus on what I can see and control, I will find confusion, chaos, and disappointment. But when I see God’s eternal purpose, then I find steadiness, security, and joy.

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:9 NASB

As I watch the world and our country seemingly give way to chaos, I have found great comfort in these words. There is something good ahead, guaranteed. While what we can see and measure may leave us with little hope, our purpose and reward are grounded in eternity.

Too many days, I find myself overwhelmed as I try to make sense of life without the proper filter. But recently, it is if God has gently placed His hands under my chin and lifted my eyes. It is as if the Spirit is saying, don’t you see? Something greater is at work.

My motivation needs to be grounded in Jesus. Saying that can feel overly simplistic or even unrealistic, but the truth is Jesus is the center of our faith. His life, death, and resurrection provide us with salvation. And while the work of salvation is complete, we will not fully experience it until we see Jesus face to face.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13

While we have not yet seen Jesus in person, we experience His love. And that love transforms our lives and compels us to action. What I do matters because of who I do it for. What I do matters because it has eternal significance.

As obedient children do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior. I Peter 1:14-15

I, like you, am a work in progress. Thankfully, I am not who I was yesterday. Knowing God and spending time in His presence transforms me. I have seen God break strongholds, change my thinking, purify my heart, and challenge my attitudes. Despite the growth I have seen, I have a long way to go, But thankfully, God’s not finished yet.

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22

The most accurate test of my love for Jesus is my love for people. We can fool ourselves into thinking we are following God, but if our pursuit of God is not building love and compassion in us, we are missing the mark.

For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
I Peter 1:23

The big picture I struggle to find it not hidden; I am merely looking in the wrong places. God’s plan and my purpose as His child are eternal. When I look at things that I can control and produce to find my value or direction, I will miss it. But when I look to God’s Word and listen to His voice, I uncover everything I need.