We’re almost thirty entries into this series examining distinctions I regularly use when coaching pastors and Christian leaders. This is the seventh of eight blogs focused on the very common—and debilitating—human drive to have life make sense…even when it doesn’t.
So, when the events of life don’t make sense, we invent our own meaning and hold it as true, even when it contradicts scripture.
For the last six segments I’ve invited you to suspend the practice of attaching a meaning to yourself, others, and life’s experiences. Now, I want to contradict myself—sort of.
In the Bible it’s clear: God is sovereign and loving.
And, God speaks. I believe it and I believe God has spoken to me. I can also attest that when my circumstances have been most challenging, confusing, and confounding God has often been silent.
In those moments when I most ardently demanded that God explain things to me—God was silent.
Oftentimes, later I learned valuable insights that helped me understand some of what God intended by allowing me to experience what occurred. The fourth chapter of Ephesians provides an invaluable frame through which to understand God’s priority for you and me: that we “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” [Eph 4:13b]
See, God wants us to grow up before we grow old.
Christ-likeness is God’s aim for you and me. And, God will shape the events of your life to assist your growth toward maturity in Christ, if you’ll submit to its rigor. And, that choice is always yours to make.
Usually “submitting to its rigor” means faithfully trusting when it looks like you’re completely on your own.
A second perspective when life is perplexing is also found in Ephesians:
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” [Eph 2:10]
If this is true, then your life has been set up for you. Whatever comes, you get to bring your unique brand of “good” to it. It’s what you’re created for.
There’s a calm confidence in Christ that can characterize a believer willing to interpret her life through the lens of Eph 2:10.
So, I invite you to consider yourself the beloved child of an attentive Father who is superintending over your life: drawing you to maturity in Christ and providing opportunities for you to bring your special God-honoring goodness to those you impact.
Coaching Distinctions #28