Think It Not Strange

Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Do not conform to the behaviors and customs of this world but allow God to transform you into a new individual by changing the way that you think. Then you will come to know God’s will for you which is good and pleasing and perfect. Transform. Grow. Resist.

Think it not strange when suffering in the flesh is upon you. The truth is that one of the biggest battles you will ever face in life is controlling your flesh; silencing that naturally sinful nature. The phrase suffering in the flesh refers to starving that natural sinful appetite of greed, pride, lust, and many other things. In order to prevent your life from reflecting such things require a certain level of focus and commitment that is initiated by you yet strengthened through Christ. It is a LIFESTYLE commitment, not a SITUATIONAL commitment. Consequently, to suffer in the flesh also means that you are distancing yourself from the natural lusts of men so that you may receive the clarity to properly walk the life you are called to live under God’s will. You are not perfect and the difference between you making a mistake as a believer versus a non-believer is the fact that you have faith in Christ Jesus. Every human being on this earth is a sinner and every sinner has the opportunity to be saved by grace! As a believer, you serve a God that loves you enough to grow you and mature you. The “slip-ups” that you have are used to grow your endurance for the race to eternity! Think it not strange when you fall short, for God’s perfection shines bright in your weakness. People will know that God is the reason behind it all, not you. God’s power is made perfect in your weakness.

Though this message is to encourage you to think it not strange when you are exercising the type of self-discipline that reflects the path of God’s will for your life, you will undoubtedly be considered strange to the people who do not choose to sacrifice like you. They will speak evil of you. They will mock you. They will look down upon you and accuse you of characteristics that they believe identify who you are as an individual. You are who God says you are, not who the world categorizes you as. They will reject you because you do not run to the same schemes, the same lasciviousness, and the same lustful idolatries as them. Think it not strange when they hate you for believing in God’s word. Think it not strange to conform your life to God’s word. Think it not strange for God’s word to govern your thoughts and actions. Lastly, think it not strange that they think you are strange for serving the God of I am. Think it not strange.

Keep Working… Keep Growing… Keep Believing