Matthew 24:8 NLT
But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
All growth takes pain.
We’ve all heard the saying, “no pain, no gain” as this was used about bodybuilding, it is a biblical principle.
For Christians, the pain we must suffer from growing is dying to ourselves, daily. And might I suggest even minute to minute.
Subjecting every rebellious thought to the high calling of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT
We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
Jesus uses many references to this thinking; another one is that a seed planted in the ground must die before it starts to grow.
John 12:24 NLT
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels— a plentiful harvest of new lives.
Heavenly Father, please provide me with the wisdom, courage, and strength to look at my life through Your eyes, helping me to be honest with myself about the areas of sin in my life that I may be trying to hide from You.
I know that You see everything and that if I harbor any sin in my life, I am slowing the growth process that You so dearly want in my life.
Give me the courage to submit every thought that I have to the perfect standard of Jesus Christ, leaving every thought that does not serve Him at His feet.
In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
