Enjoy The Process

    I want to talk about something we don't often discuss but holds immense significance in our spiritual lives—our theology. Theology, simply put, is how we understand God, His workings, and His purpose for us. While the term might evoke images of dry, academic discussions, its implications in our lives are anything but.

    The importance of theology lies not just in intellectual understanding but in shaping our very approach to life and faith. If you've ever sat through a theology class you might recall the struggle to stay engaged with what seemed like abstract concepts. However, theology is far from being merely academic—it's about having an accurate biblical understanding of how God operates and how His world works.

    Today, I felt a strong prompting to share a perspective that’s both personal and deeply connected to the reality of our lives. Often, we envision following God as a beautiful narrative—akin to a fairy tale where everything concludes with 'happily ever after.' We love those stories because they end perfectly. But life, as we know it, isn’t a fairy tale. Our experiences, our struggles, and our victories are part of a much larger story with God at the helm.

    Consider the reality of suffering and trials. It's tempting to think that a loving God would shield us from all hardship, yet, Scripture teaches us that God doesn't just allow challenges but sometimes orchestrates them for our sanctification—for our growth to resemble Christ more closely. This is not a punitive measure, but a transformative one, aimed at our ultimate good and His glory.

    Let me share an example from my own life. My brother, Matt, bears a scar from an injury he sustained last July. At first glance, this scar is a mere reminder of pain and a moment of despair. However, upon deeper reflection, it symbolizes so much more—it's a testament to survival, resilience, and God's presence in our trials. Each time I see his scar, I'm reminded not only of what he went through but also of the profound ways in which God worked through that incident for greater purposes.

    This perspective isn't limited to physical scars. It extends to all the metaphorical scars we carry—be it from illness, loss, or personal failures. These scars are not signs of God’s absence, but rather markers of His profound involvement in our lives, shaping us to fulfill His purpose.

    As we continue our journey with God, let’s embrace the theology that sustains us through every high and low. Our understanding of God’s nature and His ways informs our response to life’s complexities. The process of sanctification might be fraught with challenges, yet it's also filled with immense hope and potential for growth.

    Let's set aside any notion that theology is just for the classrooms or theologically inclined. It’s for each one of us because it anchors our faith and guides our lives in the most practical ways. As we delve deeper into understanding God through our theology, let’s allow it to transform us, to comfort us, and to equip us for every good work God has set before us.

    Remember this: our journey with God is not about avoiding the valleys but about navigating them with faith, guided by a sound understanding of who God is and how He works in us. Let us cherish this journey, not just for the destinations it leads us to but for the profound ways it molds us into the image of Christ.