The letter E stands for experience. How can you know God’s will for your life? Paul answers, ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.’ (Romans 12: 2 NIV) The word transform means to change in shape. How is a diamond formed? It’s the result of unrelenting pressure over a long period of time. Your life’s experiences will point you towards your life’s purpose. God never wastes pain!
‘I used to wander off until You disciplined me; but now I closely follow Your word… My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your decrees.’ (Psalm 119:67,71 NLT) How do we learn to do what’s right? By experiencing the pain of doing what’s wrong. Paul said, ‘Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.’ (Philippians 1:12 NIV) Then he adds: ‘I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.’ (Philippians 1:20–21 NIV)
The reverse side of a tapestry looks like a tangled mess of threads. But that’s what it takes to produce a picture of beauty, order, and value. Getting the idea? Re-examine your life’s experiences.
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