“he learned obedience through what he suffered.” Heb5.7 ESV
Gravity is a gift of God. Without it, the muscles of astronauts have grown weak. The simple fact that our muscles must exert energy against gravity strengthens them. Athletes and therapist use weight resistance training or lifting weights to amplify the results of this natural process and strengthen muscles.
The temptations and trials that we face each day, are also a kind of resistance training, one that develops the spiritual muscles of obedience and faith. In God’s hands even the temptations and attacks of our spiritual enemies are opportunities to help us learn obedience. The famous quote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” attempts to capture the essence of growth in personal struggle. But in the case of Christ, it was His willingness to be killed on the cross where obedience and personal development reached it greatest expression. And like Him we too must adopt the same attitude and put to death every desire that lifts its ugly head against doing the Fathers will. In this sense, even that which kills us may in fact give us life. 7/7/2008 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
