Life's Lessons

Ever really wonder why we go through so much in life? Of course you do, anyone breathing does. How many times in your life have you said in frustration “why is this happening to me?” Why does it seem that as soon as one fire is put out (if it really does get put out, some still may be burning) another one springs right up after it?

Well to put it simply—the world is a school. And the trials and tribulations we experience are the lessons.

When we think of the circumstances in which we live life as the classroom of eternity then we can begin to see a divine plan. Life is not a series of meaningless moments of time passing hurriedly by, but rather a well laid route for us to get to our heavenly destination. But this works out only for those who are able, and willing, to learn the lessons that such experiences offer.

In Romans 8:28 it states:

 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 

So there are some conditions that apply as to whether we can get any good from these heavenly lessons. Or, in other words, can make our election sure and open the way for that heavenly place reserved for us that Jesus stated He was preparing.

Who was He preparing it for? Those He has Called.

So the first step is to be one of The Called. Since I’m speaking to Christians who should have a working relationship with God the Father, AND the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, you should already know how to be one of The Called. To put it succinctly, it is in accepting the Lord Jesus as Savior, repenting of one’s sins, taking up your cross and following Him (in everything, holding nothing back) and living a life of discipleship.

And all this “according to His purpose.“ As it is said, many are called but few are chosen. It is in living a life according to God’s purpose that makes the difference and secures the promise of all things working together for good. It is in following these aforementioned steps that allows you to be chosen. But now what? Aren’t we finished yet? I mean doesn’t the standard mantra go that once you are saved, you are always saved?

Well, yes that is what some believe, but the actuality is, in a word, NO!

It is here where that lesson principle kicks in, when you start living a Godly life. Each lesson, embedded in each trial, each circumstance, situation, and crisis, is but a stepping-stone to glory, with the expressed purpose of drawing us nearer to God, and consequently, and intentionally, to godliness.

When you read Hebrews 11, you begin to see a marked difference in the levels of attainment, just like the different grades you pass. Enoch, just like Elijah, went to heaven WITHOUT seeing death. Abraham, the patriarch of all God’s promises, sees the reward as “afar off” and died before entering into heaven. Big difference. Same school, same lessons, different rewards.

What was the difference?

How each one learned from life’s lessons. It must be understood that death is the reward of sin, and that deathlessness is the reward of sinlessness. It says, again in Romans 8, that we would receive the same reward as Jesus, if so be that we suffer (endure and pass the tests) that He endured and passed. This is the reason we are here, to GRADUATE to a heavenly estate.

What am I saying? Have I lost my senses? Read I Corinthians 15 and you will find this passage in verses 54b - 57:

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

And the way to accomplish that victory, in Christ, is being (totally) like Christ.

Jesus states in Matthew 5:48, that we should be:

“perfect even as our father, who art in heaven, is perfect!” 

Tough words, but then again, life has tough lessons. Being a Christian is not for the weak or faint of heart. Wimps need not apply! This is a walk of commitment and discipleship. Obedience to the truths and principles of God, must be applied with 100% effort, 100% of the time. No slacking!

The flesh can’t do it, but through the power of a Christ-filled life, through the power of walking constantly and consistently with God, and opening our spirits and our minds totally to His leading — He will accomplish it in us. We will pass the tests of life’s lessons. THAT is life eternal!

A lot to think about. A lot to digest. In any new or different thought that seems to upset the apple cart, go to God, and the Bible, for understanding. Spending time on our knees before the throne of God is a sure way not to stumble. Being immersed in the Word of God imbues us with knowledge. However, it is in the lessons of life, the experiences from which we learn, that will give us wisdom.

Be blessed, be loved and be at peace. May the light of God's glory and presence fire the brilliance of your souls. You are greatly loved.