It’s All About Being And Becoming
Introduction
When it comes to our personal faith walk as followers of Christ, this pandemic has caused many to lose their focus. As human beings, we are susceptible to all kinds of feelings that often confuse us, resulting in decisions that may not be helpful at all. Instead of focusing on the kind of person God wants us to be by His grace, we end up going in the other direction. Thus, the enemy of our souls succeeds in making us ineffective and unfruitful as children of God. It’s time that we learn our lessons and go back to the right spiritual goals of being and becoming.
Three Spiritual Goals of Being and Becoming
- When you feel *afraid*, be a *courageous soldier*. (Joshua 1:9) – Many of us are afraid because of the virus that continues to circulate. Loved ones and friends are getting sick. not just people we don’t know. Some of them even die at a young age. Therefore, we have every reason to be afraid. But when we are afraid, God wants to work in our hearts through the Holy Spirit to transform us into courageous soldiers instead. (Bong Sera Jose, a physical therapist working in the US)
- When you feel you’ve *lost everything*, be a *grateful overcomer*. (Habakuk 3:17-19) – The pandemic is taking away a lot of important things in our lives. The safety that we use to feel before the pandemic is no longer there. Vainly we try to hold on, but the situation keeps on evolving into uncertainty and chaos. But when we feel we’re losing everything, God wants to work in our hearts through the Holy Spirit to transform us into grateful overcomers. (Marifi Tolentino Gumatay, a pastor and mother of two adult daughters)
- When you feel like a *failure*, be a *wounded helper*. (John 21:15-17) – Even when we try our best to cope with the situation, we sometimes feel that nothing seems to work. We feel like a failure while trying to hold it together. We face not just external problems but also internal turmoils. It’s easy to give up. But when we feel like failures, God wants to work in our hearts through the Holy Spirit to transform us into grateful wounded helpers. (Swanee Gumatay-Budiao, a young pastor and wife)
Conclusion
- What matters most is our *being* and who we are *becoming*.
- There will always be challenges in life. But the important thing is that we are choosing to cooperate with God who desires to transform us in the midst of these difficulties.
- This week, don’t let the feelings defeat you. Let God use your experiences to transform you so that you can become the kind of person God wants you to be for His glory.
Discussion
- What kinds of emotions are filling your heart right now because of what is going on?
- What have you learned today that can help you process these emotions so that you can become the kind of person God wants you to be by His grace?
- What will you do differently starting today because of what you have learned?