Good morning…
Words I wrote last winter, pre-programmed again in May, and re-posted again this summer, minister to me now.
“The definition of holiness–in a nutshell–means being set apart to purity, to be like God,” says blogger Shana Schutte. “And the result of holiness, of God transforming us to make us more like Him, is outrageous joy, amazing peace, overflowing love—and all the other things that are embodied in our Perfect Creator. So what does holiness have to do with trying to understand life’s painful, meaningless, or seemingly pointless experiences?
When I understand that God’s goal is to make me holy, not to always make me happy or grant all my desires, then every imperfect situation, every struggle, every disappointment, every heartache, every experience I can’t understand, and even my sin become a means for Him to accomplish His goal to make me holy. Everything (and I mean everything!) has divine purpose. For those who belong to Christ, no experience in life—good or bad—is ever wasted! God uses everything.
Nasty neighbor? An opportunity for holiness. Unfaithful mate? An opportunity for holiness. Broken dreams? An opportunity for holiness. Unemployment? An opportunity for holiness. Financial struggles? An opportunity for holiness. Sin? An opportunity for holiness.”
I add a personal item to the list. A new website?
God, if it was up to me, I would have stayed with my old, easy. I would have remained in my happy habit. When it came to my website, small and simple was just fine. But Your will trumped my will this summer as I was off from my church job in June and July. Why the hassle, the headache, the hard work of creating a new website?
“Holiness, that’s why,” I sense God reply, “a contagious spread of My transformational power.”
As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness (1 Peter 1:15, MSG).
…Sue…
