Deeper - Part 7

We all have obstacles in our search for a deeper walk with God. These obstacles look different for each of us but we all likely share one - a natural aversion to pain. You may ask - why in the world would I have anything but a strong distaste for pain and a desire to avoid it at all costs? It’s understandable to think that way but let’s take a deeper look.

Our natural aversion to pain. None of us seek out pain in our lives. However, to the extent that we live our lives to avoid pain, we may struggle equally with growth. Pain is a means to spiritual growth. It will foster growth like nothing us can.

Think about growth in our muscles. The only way they will grow will be pushing through certain levels of pain. No pain - no growth. If fact, the opposite is true. If we don’t push them to and through pain, they shrink and provide less support for our overall physique. Spiritual muscles work the same way.

Through pain God is inviting us into an opportunity to grow in dependence on Him and strengthen our faith. We can all look back and point to times where this has been true in our lives. We see the fruit of it once we get to the other side. The author of Deeper says it best:

…A crucial building block in our growth in grace is a humble openness to receiving the bitterness of life as God’s gentle way of drawing us our of the misery of self and more deeply into spiritual maturity. Dane Ortlund

Through pain God is weaning us from the love of this world and freeing us from its counterfeit pleasures. God wants to remove the idols from our lives - rooting out the garden of idols that we tend to keep. We all have a tendency to look for things in this world to quench our every desire. Money, success, hobbies, and even sports teams can all be turned into idols. Idolatry occurs when to try to make that which is a gift - a giver. We expect them to give us an identity or security. Ironically, idols are not givers, they are takers. They take our time, our attention, our passion and focus. Idols will always end up letting us down. God alone can provide lasting fulfillment.

When pain shows up in our lives, we immediately think we are losing at life or being punished in some way. That could be true if we have brought this pain on ourselves. Often it just arrives on its own. Either way, we must learn to recognize this time as an opportunity to press into our relationship with God. Our “professed theology” must become our “heart theology.” Lean into the Holy Spirit which is fully available to us and find that path to a deeper walk with the Lord.

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Stay hungry,

Big E

Matt. 5:6