Against The Natural Grain...

" From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any many will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." {Matt. 16:21-24}

Peter didn't understand that it was the will of God for Jesus to be crucified. People in the world always question why bad things happen to good people.
Sometimes it takes going against the grain of natural living in order to follow Christ and understand His ways. Our society is based on feeling. Whatever feels good must be right. But God has a different plan that goes against social norm. And though it's God's will for us to prosper and feel good, we sometimes forget that it's also His will to allow us to suffer. For with everything there is a time and a season. There is a time to mourn, kill, rejoice, etc.... What season are you in? Remember that just because it doesn't feel good, or looks right to the natural eye doesn't mean that it's not the Will of God. For without suffering we cannot authentically appreciate who He is, and we cannot truly rejoice. Some mountains are not meant to be moved right away, but are meant for us to climb. Whatever season you are in, whether it's a season of mourning, remember to always go through with triumph and rejoice in divers temptation for it's only the Father chastising His children for the good.

May God bless you according to your faithfulness and obedience to Him.

Be a Blessing,
Ashley
Philippians 3:7
Ashley Card 2008 ©