Thanks for the Workout!
READ: Exodus 5:3-9
Christ's perfect life and willing death in our place motivate us to say thank you by living for him. But doing the right thing often has consequences, and they aren't always what we want. Speaking to a friend about a drinking problem can lose you a friend. Following God's design to remain pure before marriage can cost you a relationship. Refusing to cheat on a test can cost you a grade.
Moses, Aaron, and the Israelites had to learn about consequences, too. Moses and Aaron followed God's instructions to the letter. They expected deliverance, and instead, life got a lot harder. What's up with that? It has been said that when we ask God to help us during difficult times, sometimes he lightens the load, and sometimes he strengthens our back. This time, the Israelites had to pump a little brick, physically and spiritually. God was training their spiritual muscles. The apostle Paul reminds us: "we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Rom 5:3-5)
The next time you suffer for doing right, squeeze your bicep and say: "Thanks for the workout, Lord!"
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Can you think of times in your life where "what didn't kill you made you stronger" thanks to God's amazing grace?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask God for a rich measure of patience and trust when facing life's difficulties, and for a heart of thankfulness when everything is going well.