Transformed for My Father’s Sake

I woke up this morning thinking of the night before. Lying in bed all alone in the dark made me wonder why there are so many problems in the world, especially right here at home. And then I picked up the book I have been reading for the past three weeks or so: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Wouldn’t you know chapter twenty five is titled: Transformed by Trouble. As I read it, the fear and anxiety of my life was affirmed as a test and a trial of faith with a purpose; to be Christ-like.

I know that God has a purpose for my life and I must put aside my child-like ways and finally become the grown up he intended me to be. We are planted on this earth and we emerge from the darkness of our mother’s womb into the light of creation. And like the crops in the fields, the trees in the forests and the fruit ripening in the orchard, we must grow upwards in order to see the purpose for which our creator placed us here on earth. The only real way to do this is to experience life as it is here, unpredictable and harsh as it can sometimes be. And so I must look upon problems in the way that Floyd Starr defined as “opportunities” rather than as a hindrance or an obstacle to my happiness. How else does the diamond form if it were not for millennial amounts of constant pressure? How else does gold and silver become refined if not through the purification of fire?

And so, today I read a piece of scripture and take to heart what Romans 8:28 (NIV) states: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. I am also challenged by Rick Warren who asks the question: “What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in me?” I have seen and heard what a spring rain can produce in the form of flood, lightening and thunder, and yet, I can take in the sweet smell of lilac and the serene vista of a quiet lake after a storm and feel the presence of God all around me in a sunset reflected upon its glistening surface. Like clouds which accumulate, spill their contents and dissipate into thin air, I must absorb my tears like a rain soaked field that has the potential to produce a bountiful yield… for my Father’s sake. Amen.