IRONY OF THE JOURNEY

Even though we have designed a model called "The Growth Cycle" in our Church; we need to realize that things are never quite as neat as any model would indicate.

The complexity is that spiritual growth does not always happen in a logical fashion. The principle here is that something that is logical or simple does not necessarily mean better.

For example, I have found experientially that many believers mess up their lives before they hit the bottom and turn around. People often go on detours before they get to their destination.

This can sometimes be intentional in that in order to get from North to South, we often have to go North-East before we can get to the South.

Another analogy was when I tried to climb Mount Gunong Tahan several years ago; I had to go up and down several smaller mountains before I could reach the peak. But because I knew where I was heading, I did not mind the up's and down's.

Nothing is outside the reach of God's redemptive work even when we do not see any redemptive value in what we are going through right now. Once we have this perspective; we can view every circumstance as an opportunity to form Christ in us.

So take heart, my friends...

Galatians 4: 19 - "My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you..."

Have a great week!