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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
The first impulse in most of us when making decisions and choices in life, is how to get what we want.
Consideration of what is needed is usually somewhere farther down the list.
Some of us are skilled at blending the two; which is both pleasant and wise. Unfortunately, life generally does not seem to work that way. But when we are converted in mind and spirit, wisdom and desire can then be united into a glorious blend. What a blessing it is when wants and needs blend into joy as we grow in unity with the will of God.
When convicted by the Holy Spirit of our need for God, we begin to perceive our need. When we yield to Jesus Christ's calling, we begin to want more of Him, and less and less of previous wants and desires.
When we first encounter difficulties and convictions by the Spirit, we are very reluctant and we struggle with our natural emotions that want to withdraw from the impulses He gives us intended to guide us into seeking more of Him, and to allow Him to lead us into what we need to become more and more like Christ.
But the difficulties of living life as He leads us can tempt us to desire what we once wanted again. This He brings us upon us and allows what seems to be even more difficult struggles than we had prior to surrendering to His call.
But this isn't a bad thing - because by struggling with more intense problems and temptations we become more and more like Christ as He endured the life He came to live for our sake.
And since He endured so much on earth, He knows how to comfort and encourage us, and to deliver us from every trial and difficulty.
He will always provide a way of escape:
"For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (AMP)
Ask Him to incline you mind and heart to make His choice - no matter how menial or how important -. He will carry you through. He will strengthen you to do the right thing. He guarantees to see you through - if you will trust Him.
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