What if it's not all about you?

When things happen to us in life, both good and bad, Scripture tells us that God actually takes EVERYTHING, all of it, and weaves it together for our good. 

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. - Romans 8:28

We know that difficult times in our lives actually help develop our character and perseverance. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -- James 1:2-4

Ultimately, God does work through everything happening in our lives to draw us closer to Him, to love us, and see us become more and more the person He created us to be. However it doesn't end there.

Here's a thought... What if it's not all about us?

What if what you are going through, whether the BEST time of your life, or the WORST, is not about you, but instead is about showing the world around you God's love, faithfulness, grace, forgiveness, goodness, love, provision and the list could go on. 

Whether it's the best or worst season of our lives, what if we asked ourselves these questions:

- how can this somehow help those around me?
- how can I show God's love in a powerful way despite my circumstance?
- how might my hope and perseverance in spite of trials actually be a testament to my real relationship with God?
- how might my generosity and selflessness in this season of fruitfulness and blessing show those around me God's heart for them?

In all situations and circumstances, we are called to be salt and light. 

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 5:13-16

What if whatever you face or receive today, is really to point the world around you to the ULTIMATE hope... Jesus!

Ash