The Journey of Sanctification:
Life often presents us with challenges that leave us questioning, "Why me, Lord?" In those moments of struggle, it's easy to feel lost, angry, or ready to give up. But what if these trials are actually part of a greater purpose? What if God is using these difficult times to shape us, refine us, and prepare us for something more?
This is the essence of sanctification - a process through which God matures us spiritually and transforms us into the people He created us to be. It's not always comfortable, and it certainly isn't easy, but it's a journey that can lead to profound growth and a deeper relationship with our Creator.
Sanctification comes in three forms: positional, progressive, and permanent. Positional sanctification occurs the moment we first believe in Jesus Christ. It's our secure position in Him, set apart and declared holy because of His sacrifice. Permanent sanctification is our ultimate hope - the perfect holiness we'll experience in heaven, free from sin and suffering.
But it's our progressive sanctification that we grapple with daily. This is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, guiding us into truth and maturity. It's a practical, sometimes painful process that transforms us emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
Think of it like learning to ride a bike. At first, we're wobbly and unsure, prone to falling and skinning our knees. We might look down at our feet, trying to figure out how to pedal. But then comes that crucial piece of advice from dad: "Don't look down. Look up and keep pedaling!" This simple instruction changes everything.
In our spiritual lives, we face a similar challenge. When we focus on ourselves - our problems, our failures, our inadequacies - we're likely to fall. But when we lift our eyes to God and keep moving forward in faith, we find balance, poise, and the ability to soar.
The Apostle Peter, who knew a thing or two about falling and getting back up, offers this encouragement: "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-13).
Peter reminds us that trials aren't anomalies in the Christian life - they're part of the process. God allows these challenges not to break us, but to refine us. Like a blacksmith purifying precious metal, He uses the heat and pressure of life's difficulties to bring our impurities to the surface so they can be removed.
But why does God allow this? Why not just make our lives easy and comfortable? The truth is, God isn't primarily concerned with our comfort - He's focused on our character. He's not pursuing our ease, but our maturity. And often, it's through our struggles that we grow the most.
Jesus Himself prayed for His disciples not that they would escape trials, but that their faith would not fail in the midst of them. He knew that on the other side of those challenges, they would be equipped to strengthen others. This is the beautiful cycle of sanctification - what God teaches us through our trials becomes a testimony that can encourage and build up others in their faith.
So how do we navigate this process of sanctification? Here are a few key principles:
1. Submit to God: Instead of running away from difficulties, run into the arms of your faithful Creator. Trust that He has a purpose, even when you can't see it.
2. Look up and keep pedaling: Don't get stuck staring at your problems. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, and keep moving forward.
3. Ask questions: It's okay to ask God, "Why me?" or "What are you teaching me through this?" "What is it - in this - that you are developing in me - that may be useful for others?" Be honest about your struggles, but remain open to what He might be showing you.
4. Remember you're not alone: Jesus is interceding for you, praying that your faith will not fail. The Holy Spirit is your helper, guide, and comforter through every trial.
5. Use your experience to help others: As you grow through your challenges, look for opportunities to encourage those around you who might be facing similar struggles.
The journey of sanctification isn't always easy, but it's infinitely worthwhile. With each trial we face and overcome, we're being shaped more into the image of Christ. We're learning to trust God more deeply, to rely on His strength rather than our own, and to see our lives from His eternal perspective.
Remember, you are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). The challenges you face today are part of that preparation. They're shaping you, refining you, and equipping you for a purpose greater than you can imagine.
So the next time you find yourself in the midst of a "fiery ordeal" - or simply "take a spill" - don't lose heart. Don't be surprised, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, recognize it as part of your journey of sanctification. Look up to your faithful Creator, keep pedaling forward in faith, and trust that He is working all things together for your good and His glory.
One day, when you stand before Him, you'll hear those beautiful words: "Well done, good and faithful servant." -(Matt 25:23) And in that moment, you'll realize that every trial, every struggle, every moment of refinement was worth it. For now, we see only in part, but then we shall see in full. Until that day, may we embrace the process of sanctification, growing daily in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen - Pastor Bob
Life often presents us with challenges that leave us questioning, "Why me, Lord?" In those moments of struggle, it's easy to feel lost, angry, or ready to give up. But what if these trials are actually part of a greater purpose? What if God is using these difficult times to shape us, refine us, and prepare us for something more?
This is the essence of sanctification - a process through which God matures us spiritually and transforms us into the people He created us to be. It's not always comfortable, and it certainly isn't easy, but it's a journey that can lead to profound growth and a deeper relationship with our Creator.
Sanctification comes in three forms: positional, progressive, and permanent. Positional sanctification occurs the moment we first believe in Jesus Christ. It's our secure position in Him, set apart and declared holy because of His sacrifice. Permanent sanctification is our ultimate hope - the perfect holiness we'll experience in heaven, free from sin and suffering.
But it's our progressive sanctification that we grapple with daily. This is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, guiding us into truth and maturity. It's a practical, sometimes painful process that transforms us emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
Think of it like learning to ride a bike. At first, we're wobbly and unsure, prone to falling and skinning our knees. We might look down at our feet, trying to figure out how to pedal. But then comes that crucial piece of advice from dad: "Don't look down. Look up and keep pedaling!" This simple instruction changes everything.
In our spiritual lives, we face a similar challenge. When we focus on ourselves - our problems, our failures, our inadequacies - we're likely to fall. But when we lift our eyes to God and keep moving forward in faith, we find balance, poise, and the ability to soar.
The Apostle Peter, who knew a thing or two about falling and getting back up, offers this encouragement: "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-13).
Peter reminds us that trials aren't anomalies in the Christian life - they're part of the process. God allows these challenges not to break us, but to refine us. Like a blacksmith purifying precious metal, He uses the heat and pressure of life's difficulties to bring our impurities to the surface so they can be removed.
But why does God allow this? Why not just make our lives easy and comfortable? The truth is, God isn't primarily concerned with our comfort - He's focused on our character. He's not pursuing our ease, but our maturity. And often, it's through our struggles that we grow the most.
Jesus Himself prayed for His disciples not that they would escape trials, but that their faith would not fail in the midst of them. He knew that on the other side of those challenges, they would be equipped to strengthen others. This is the beautiful cycle of sanctification - what God teaches us through our trials becomes a testimony that can encourage and build up others in their faith.
So how do we navigate this process of sanctification? Here are a few key principles:
1. Submit to God: Instead of running away from difficulties, run into the arms of your faithful Creator. Trust that He has a purpose, even when you can't see it.
2. Look up and keep pedaling: Don't get stuck staring at your problems. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, and keep moving forward.
3. Ask questions: It's okay to ask God, "Why me?" or "What are you teaching me through this?" "What is it - in this - that you are developing in me - that may be useful for others?" Be honest about your struggles, but remain open to what He might be showing you.
4. Remember you're not alone: Jesus is interceding for you, praying that your faith will not fail. The Holy Spirit is your helper, guide, and comforter through every trial.
5. Use your experience to help others: As you grow through your challenges, look for opportunities to encourage those around you who might be facing similar struggles.
The journey of sanctification isn't always easy, but it's infinitely worthwhile. With each trial we face and overcome, we're being shaped more into the image of Christ. We're learning to trust God more deeply, to rely on His strength rather than our own, and to see our lives from His eternal perspective.
Remember, you are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). The challenges you face today are part of that preparation. They're shaping you, refining you, and equipping you for a purpose greater than you can imagine.
So the next time you find yourself in the midst of a "fiery ordeal" - or simply "take a spill" - don't lose heart. Don't be surprised, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, recognize it as part of your journey of sanctification. Look up to your faithful Creator, keep pedaling forward in faith, and trust that He is working all things together for your good and His glory.
One day, when you stand before Him, you'll hear those beautiful words: "Well done, good and faithful servant." -(Matt 25:23) And in that moment, you'll realize that every trial, every struggle, every moment of refinement was worth it. For now, we see only in part, but then we shall see in full. Until that day, may we embrace the process of sanctification, growing daily in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen - Pastor Bob
HOPE Blog ... Pastor Bob DeFelice
Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
Recent
Archive
2025
February
March
May
June
2024
June
No Comments