The Harder Route

Just a shorter post this time to share some thoughts...

When we find ourselves in a trial or a difficult situation, I think we really wrestle with the question of "why?" Why we have to walk through what seems to be an unnecessary hardship to get to where God wants to take us. And I'm beginning to realize that we wrestle with that question because oftentimes we forget why we're here. 

God loves us. We aren't just material things to be used: He loves us and wants a personal relationship with us. But we are instruments. We're put here on this earth, not to "live it up" and have a perfect life, but for the Lord to use us to draw others to Himself and to bring Him glory. It isn't always something we like to hear, but many times, using us to bring Him glory comes before our personal comfort. God is more concerned about using us to bring others to Himself than He is about us walking an easy road. When we have to walk through a hardship and take the harder route to where God wants to take us, it might not always be necessary in order for us to get to that destination: there might be an easier, less painful way. But I'm learning that sometimes God takes us down the harder path because it's what brings Him the most glory. Sometimes we have to go through the woods and the thicket rather than through the meadow because the lessons we learn there and the experience we gain is how we best draw others to Him, shine His light, set a godly example to inspire others, and ultimately, bring Him the most glory. 

And when we realize that, we find meaning in the harder path. We can finally stop wrestling with the "why." We're instruments to be used to bring Him glory, unconditional of how that's best accomplished.