City Life Starter

I. The Word: Romans 5:3-8 MSG

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

II. Reflection Questions

1. What is the longest period of time you have had to wait for something? What were you waiting for?

2. Have you ever done something before you were ready for it? How did it make you feel?

3. What is your favorite day of the week and why?

As we have been discussing the nuances of time and all that it entails, I think the idea of Spirit-empowered time management skills is a sure way to win in life.

Time is one thing we all have in common. Whether you’re rich or poor, young or advanced in age, we all get 24 hours in a day, with the power to decide how to use that time. Sure, some may not get as much time as others. Sometimes one’s time is cut short, but if you are currently reading this, you have right now. The present moment is all we really have. How are you going to spend it?

We can accomplish so much in life by simply asking the Lord “How can I glorify You right now?” Leaning on and listening to the Lord moment-by-moment has a transforming effect on your life and character. It molds you into the image of Christ and will ultimately help you sustain His great destiny for your life.

One of the main biblical characters who come to mind when thinking of someone who glorified the Lord with his time is Joseph, son of Jacob. Early in his adolescence, Joseph was given a pretty huge dream by the Lord. Excited about this amazing revelation about his future, Joseph blabbed all about it to his jealous brothers and doting father. This led to a series of seemingly unfortunate events namely being sold into slavery by his own brothers.

Although Joseph endured excruciating hardship (the exact opposite of his dream), Joseph glorified the Lord through it all. How did he do it? Easy. The Lord was with him. I’m sure, in his circumstances, Joseph could have easily thought to himself, “my dream will never come true. I blew it. What’s the point of moving forward? I should just give up.” But he didn’t. God was with him, so he knew he would be ok.

Cultivating God’s Presence every day enabled Joseph to learn about God’s character and nature and helped him to live an empowered lifestyle. At every phase, Joseph rose above the obstacles and prospered wherever he went. He always ended up running the show–in Potiphar’s house, in prison, and ultimately in Pharaoh’s palace.

Maybe you are in a place right now where you feel like you are wasting your time. That may be, you should seek the Lord to be sure. But more often than not, it is exactly where God has planted you so He can build the character and patience you need to fulfill His ultimate vision for your life.

If you are going through fiery trials as you are reading this, I hope you are encouraged to keep pressing forward, knowing that God has something great in store for you:

“There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience, in turn, forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” Romans 5 MSG.

Prayer

Father God, I want to thank You for Your great love for me. Thank You for giving me life, peace, and patience for every circumstance. I pray that you would give me the wisdom to use this current season I am in for Your Glory! In Jesus Name, Amen.