- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
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- 18,404
Going Deeper
'That I may...become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him.' PHILIPPIANS 3:10
When a storm hits, a tree needs roots that are strong and deep and when hard times hit us we need spiritual depth. Check out Job! When the bottom dropped out of his world, Job said: 'But he knows where I am and what I've done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test - with honours... I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way... I've obeyed every word he's spoken, and not just obeyed his advice-I've treasured it' (Job 23:10-12 NAS).
We need the spiritual depth of Paul, who prayed three times for what he calls 'the thorn in his flesh' to leave and three times the Lord said 'no' (although we don't know for sure what the thorn was, many think it was hardship and persecutions from others).
In response, Paul said, '...these limitations that cut me down to size - abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become' (2 Corinthians 12:9 TM). Instead of looking for a way out Paul declared, 'I chose to go through this so that I can have the privilege of experiencing more of Christ's power working in my life.'
Don't you want what these people had, so that your spiritual life is such that you walk in step with God whether you feel good or not; whether you get a 'yes,' 'no,' or 'wait,' in answer to your prayers; even when you don't get your own way? Spiritual depth must become your all-consuming goal, and the highest priority of your life. Is it?
'That I may...become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him.' PHILIPPIANS 3:10
When a storm hits, a tree needs roots that are strong and deep and when hard times hit us we need spiritual depth. Check out Job! When the bottom dropped out of his world, Job said: 'But he knows where I am and what I've done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test - with honours... I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way... I've obeyed every word he's spoken, and not just obeyed his advice-I've treasured it' (Job 23:10-12 NAS).
We need the spiritual depth of Paul, who prayed three times for what he calls 'the thorn in his flesh' to leave and three times the Lord said 'no' (although we don't know for sure what the thorn was, many think it was hardship and persecutions from others).
In response, Paul said, '...these limitations that cut me down to size - abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become' (2 Corinthians 12:9 TM). Instead of looking for a way out Paul declared, 'I chose to go through this so that I can have the privilege of experiencing more of Christ's power working in my life.'
Don't you want what these people had, so that your spiritual life is such that you walk in step with God whether you feel good or not; whether you get a 'yes,' 'no,' or 'wait,' in answer to your prayers; even when you don't get your own way? Spiritual depth must become your all-consuming goal, and the highest priority of your life. Is it?
