The Path to Maturity
I Peter 5:10
I Peter 5:10 provides a very critical principle for those times when we are going through trials, a principle
that is easy to miss, I Peter 5:10, But
may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
You need to realize that even though God did not initiate your trouble, He can still use it to work something
good in you. What the devil means for evil, God can turn into something good.Even though the devil's purpose is to destroy you, if you will respond correctly, God can work good
things. Notice the verse says after you have suffered a short season, God will perfect. It brings maturity to you.
While we might hate it, how we respond in times of trial makes us who we are—and it fits us to accomplish
God's will. I hate some of the things I have gone through! But you know what? I would not be who I am had I not experienced those things. It has fitted me to do the will of
God.
And while it may not seem like it, your present difficulty may be instrumental in your future success.
It reminds me of the guy who was shipwrecked on a deserted island. One day he decided to go across the
island for food. When he got to the other side he looked back and saw a plume of smoke in the sky. He ran back only to find that his shack burnt to the ground! It stung him to
the core! Except the next morning a ship arrived and rescued him. When he asked the sailors, "How'd you know I was here?" they said, "We saw your smoke signal."
Your present trials just may be fitting you for something you would never expect!
By Bayless Conley
For Your Information
Upcoming Events
During the month of October in our AM Worship Services, we will be exploring the iLife. What we are talking about is the life that is
being lived out intentionally. This last Sunday we talked about iWorship, intentionally worshipping of our Heavenly Father. That message is on the church
website if you missed it, or you can click here. Next week we will be delving
into iPray, and to close October iLove. Please make every effort to be here, for it can change your life if you put into practice intentional
living.
October 20, 2010 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7:30 PM
October 23, 2010 - Fall Festival at Lynn & Buck's house. It starts at 5 PM and it is a potluck meal. There will be games and a time of great fellowship.
Their address is 581 Westland Road, Hickory, PA 15340. All are welcome.
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Check Us Out On The Web
Visit us at www.fbcmidway.com for more information about our church, as well as previous
sermons. Our website has much to offer. .
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