You’ve been wanting to get rid of some things in your life. On top of that list are habits and attitudes that ultimately work against you. You know that in the long run, these are the things that will keep you from moving forward – and may ultimately break you.
I’m constantly reminded of the words of the old song “…and the things of earth will grow strangely dim” (Turn your eyes upon Jesus). Those things you want to get rid of will get pushed back to the shadows as the light of Jesus shines brighter in your heart.
But the struggle increases when the light comes on. Those unwanted things begin to show up even brighter than ever before. This is why people often wonder why trouble increases when they come to Jesus. At this point, bring it to Jesus and crucify the fleshly desires that wage war against your soul.
It is at this point that the things of this life begin to grow dim. The light of Jesus comes and shines on you and brings a shadow on those things you need to get rid of.
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Out of a genuine desire to help people in distress, we often try to say consoling words. Sometimes we may even try to come up with reasons why their problem has occurred. There can also be an attempt to find some ultimate good or purpose for the suffering. Each of these attempts turn out futile as those who suffer cannot think beyond their suffering.
In the Bible, Job was a man who experienced horrific and multiple tragedies in his life. When word got out, three of his friends came and sat with him silently for seven days. Certainly the presence of his friends was comforting for him (Job 2:13).
Finally his friends broke the silence and each one began to speak in turn. But their words turned out to be disastrous for a man in such a situation. Maybe it was better that they kept their mouths shut (Job 16:2-3).
The presence of friends and family bring a certain level of assurance that  we’re not alone. Couple that with solitude and it can be a great source of inner strength that will help us to face challenges. Times of solitude can be an opportunity to experience God’s presence. So cut the distractions and spend time alone with God and sit silently with those who suffer.
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I searched for a T-shirt to wear. “This one is a nice one. I’ll save it for later, for another time when I go someplace.” I have a tendency to keep old, worn out shirts so I can wear them at home or for my morning walks. But this time I caught myself. Why can’t I wear the nicer one for myself? Maybe It’s time to reconsider my perspective.
I began thinking in such “minimalist ways after I began reading Leo Babauta’s writings. Although I don’t consider myself to be a minimalist, my thinking has begun to shift. I’ve begun to let go of old, useless items that I thought I might need some day.
But what about the T-shirt? I wore the nicer one. And I continue to choose the nicer ones to wear. But I haven’t found a better, more comfortable substitute for old, worn out blue jeans.
Some of you who read this may relate with this struggle. Our self-image truly does impact our confidence and work.
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It’s an unimaginable thought. The word “evil” mentioned in Job 2:10 can be translated as disaster or calamity. But it’s difficult to think of God causing trouble or disaster in our lives.
But God in his sovereignty knows what it takes to build us and mold us. His aim is to transform us into his own likeness. Sometimes it takes problems and even disaster to break off unwanted things in us so that God can build what is required for us to become more like him everyday.
When everything fell apart in his life, his wife asked a question that is a common thought for many: “Why don’t you just commit suicide?” She knew that God was his only hope, but even God wasn’t responding. Now the only option for her was death.
God is not the author of evil. But God was there in the disaster. Nothing makes sense in life, but as long as God is present he will make sense of all things. He has a plan for our lives. Trust him till the end.
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Renew your mind and be transformed so that you won’t conform to this world. But the world is like a strong suction/force that can easily suck us into its realm. Once you are sucked in, you become part of the system.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2).

Circumcise your heart. It’s a deep rooted step to establish a covenant with God from your heart. This is where your heart’s desire is only toward him. No other desire can take its place.
“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn” (Deut 10:16).
Crucify the flesh. It has an insatiable desire to pull us away from our Lord. All other forces are external, and we can do battle with those. But how do you fight something within?
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24).
The “flesh” is the old nature of sin that constantly pulls us away from God and his ways. Don’t fight it. Crucify it.
Renew, Circumcise, and crucify. There is no better way to deal with the world and the leanings of the heart.
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Fear, anger, guilt, frustration, and numerous other responses follow tragic events in our lives. Our response truly reveals who we are and what we value.
The turmoil you face within you and the struggles of daily life may seem to be strangling you. It’s too much to bear. What are you to make of your life when you face tragedy from every direction? How should you respond?
There was a man whose first response will amaze us. Here’s what he did: “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped (Job 1:20).
First, there was decisive action: “Then Job arose.” Don’t fall back in fear, and don’t give up on life. Get up. Move forward. Take action.
Second, Job acknowledged his loss. He “Tore his robe and shaved his head.” A healthy amount of grieving needs to be a part of our response to extreme tragedy. We need not grieve permanently. It needs to be only a season of grieving.
Third, he acknowledged God. Job “Fell on the ground and worshiped. He understood that God was his only hope.
Yes, our first response truly says a lot.
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One creates brilliant people who work hard and work smart. These are people who benefit themselves and their families. The other system creates leaders who create jobs and opportunities for many.
So, are leadership traits developed or inborn? Both. Some people portray a strong tenacity and confidence that is conducive to leadership. These people grow quickly in their leadership abilities and are recognized as leaders.
How are leaders created? Develop in young people the skill to think freely. It’s not good enough to memorize lots of data. Learn to figure out how and where that data can be used.
Another major key to leadership is the ability to accept people as they are and to help them to excel. They should be taught to never ignore the weak. Every person has a contribution to make. Focus on the strengths of every person and help them to develop in the areas of their weaknesses.
While a smart, hard working person will do well for themselves, leaders also benefit the people around them, and ultimately the society.
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There is no doubt you love God with all your heart. But your breaking point is where you suffer loss, pain, persecution, or some form of severe trauma where you’re ready to forsake God. Oh, but you would never reject God. You wouldn’t even think of it. But you never know until you reach the breaking point.
Throughout history, prisoners of war suffered some of the most severe torture done to humans. Many held on to uphold the honor of their nation, but there were those who could stand it no longer. Some just gave up hope and died in captivity and torture. These are realities that we would wish on no one, not even our enemies.
At one time, God was “boasting” to Satan about Job saying that “there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil” (Job 1:8). But Satan responded that Job might turn away when taken to the breaking point (Job 1:11).
What might be the breaking point in your life? Would it be the loss of your income, loss of important friends, loss of health, inability to get the education or job you wanted? Or will never ending pain and suffering till death bring you to the breaking point?
You never know where your breaking point is. So examine each of the above areas with your heart and make a complete submission to God in each of the important areas. Then, cry out to God for the grace that kept Job faithful throughout all his sufferings.
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