The bad and THE GOOD

I have been reminded, lately, of a lot of things that have gone on in the course of my somewhat short life. As I think back I can remember a great deal of negative things that have happened, but I can also remember the good that has happened as well. I truly believe that our experiences, that God allows us to go through and takes us through, shape us into the person He desires us to be. Apart from the grace of Christ I believe my life would be a train wreck. But the fact that Christ is my reason for living makes even the most dark and hard situations seem minor. God has this thing under control. Many times I have asked the hard questions of God, and often got the response that I didn't want. The truth of a life given to the gospel is that it really is not your own. My life belongs to the One who has given me life. No matter how tough things get or how often I wish to give up I must remember the cross and it's call to my life... To die to self and find life in the glorious sacrifice of Christ. The work of Christ for me is unbelievable. To say that Jesus paid it all, really doesn't do justice to the truth for me. The fact that Jesus became the One to bear full wrath of the Father on the cross leaves me without words. In place of my sin, now I have His righteousness. What an amazing truth! The truth of these things is a constant reminder that the good of our situation (lives) always out does the bad of our situation (lives). Someone once said, "Show me one person that lived their life for the gospel, and died without joy." What truth this speaks! Paul said "to live is Christ, and to die is gain." I pray that I would always be mindful of these truths and live my life in light of them. That when tough and trying time comes I will be ready to give a response to them, that the gospel is my purpose and His joy and grace are my strength. My I stand before Him, and be found faithful with the gospel and the ministry to which He has given me.