The Process of “Through” Part II

Scripture:  Isa. 43: 2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”

As I looked in the dictionary, I was very surprised to see so many words that highlight “self” which is the welfare, interests or characteristics of a person.  God created us in His image and for His glory, but it is only in Christ can the ungodly behaviors of the self-life be put to death that we might be conformed to the image of Christ.

Putting to death – self-sufficiency, self-righteousness, self-pity, self-seeking, self-love, self-assertion, self-glory, self-condemnation, self-satisfaction, self-will, selfishness, and all of the other “self” attitudes that resist God’s will and purposes.

The first two disciplines referred to the process of “through” as “by way of” and “a period of time.” The next two disciplines of the process of “through” mean

(3) that there are certain conditions that must be endured. John 16:33 says “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” We live in a world that hated Jesus and will hate us. There are conditions and circumstances that God has assigned for the fabric of our lives and the only thing that we can control is our godly response to get through.

 The (4th) discipline of “through” means completion. Hallelujah!!  Praise the Lord! II Timothy 4:7 says “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” There is a day on God’s agenda when our assignment and the process of “through” is completed, therefore, endure as a good soldier in Christ. He’ll either call you home or He’s coming soon!! Either way “We Win”!!

Prayer:  It is worth it to go “through” Lord because I can’t imagine hearing the words from Your lips – “Well done thy good and faithful servant,” I just can’t imagine. So whatever is necessary to die to self to be obedient to You, You know.

(by Cheryl Torain)