The renewing of your mind.
What I have found it that there are certain principles which are necessary in order to change our beliefs. Beliefs are a precursor to more than just actions and emotions. Beliefs affect our character and our character affects how those around us react to us, especially our loved ones.
If the results you have been getting have not changed, that should be a signal that something needs to be adjusted. As the verse below states, we must not be conformed or deceived by the world we live in. The world would have us as victims. God would have us be victors.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
As the apostle Paul states, we must renew our mind to change our beliefs in order to be transformed into victors.
If you have ever refinished an old piece of furniture or prepared the surface of a car or truck to be repainted, you will know that a lot of elbow grease is necessary. This friction causes a lot of heat. In our spiritual lives, changing our beliefs and way of thinking can cause discomfort. Please do not be deceived into thinking you can go it alone. We will need help to do this. Jesus says in Matthew 11:30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Joy or happiness?
The world teaches us to be happy. It's all about serving one's self. The goal is to be comfortable and to escape from the trials and challenges of the moment; if not now, then when we retire from our job or career. While self is important at some level, we can suffer greatly if we don't know understand the differences between joy and happiness.
James 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
This truth warns us that we need to be grateful and find joy in all things, including loss, setbacks, and failures as we navigate the valleys of life. Here's a workaround you might try the next time you are faced what appears to be an insurmountable situation: Ask God this question: "What are you trying to teach me in this moment Lord"?
It's times like these when it's important to call a time out and appreciate the process and journey. Don't rely on your own way of thinking or the failed solutions you've employed in the. past. Pray for revelation and truth with a humble heart, and you just might get an answer you weren't expecting.
Most of us, myself included, desire to be removed for adversity and brought to a more comfortable situation. There is a great life lesson in the Book of Daniel about how Daniel's friends allowed God to get them thru adversity, rather than be removed from it.
Here is what these 3 young men told the king who sent them to their death because they would not worship an idol: Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
These men knew God could deliver them from the fire, but they were content if He chose not to. As God would have it, the only item that was destroyed by the fire were the bindings used by the king's men who cast Daniel's friends into the fire. No clothing or hair was singed, nor was there an odor of smoke in their clothing or on them. In fact, when the king saw that a 4th person appeared out of nowhere, and that the fire had no affect on these men, he had to call them out of the fiery furnace.
What is the fiery furnace you are in today? The good news for you and me is that God rarely calls on those who have it all together. He is great at equipping those He calls. He's always there to get us thru our trials and temptations. I pray that you adopt a spirit of joyfulness so that you are complete and lack nothing in your journey.
