To This You Were Called

“To this you were called…that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NIV

In the midst of his problems, Job said, “He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10 NKJV). Gold is hidden deep in the earth, and it takes hours of backbreaking work removing tons of dirt scoop by scoop to bring it to the surface. Likewise, crucifying the flesh is excruciating and time consuming, and when you follow Jesus, you give Him “digging rights.” Satan tries to bury your treasure under memories of past sin and failure, but God keeps on digging because He’s going for the gold! Joni Eareckson Tada became a quadriplegic after a diving accident. She wrote, “Often during a single day I’ll have to make twenty-six different adjustments in my wheelchair…sometimes I think I’ll drive me and my friends crazy. That’s when I…remember, ‘To this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.’ Life’s supposed to be difficult. Jesus said in this world we would have trouble (John 16:33). And that it has been granted—that is…gifted—on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but to suffer for Him. Sometimes I don’t want that gift, but if Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered, then I can learn from twenty-six different adjustments in my sitting position. God desires intimacy with us—but on His terms—and those terms require us to suffer as His Son suffered. So next time you get hit broadside with a bruising disappointment, God’s asking you to follow in Jesus’ steps.”

Bible in a year: Isaiah 11-13 and Galatians 3