“Since we know the heart of God revealed in the work of Jesus Christ — His cross and life for us — we know that what God gives us will be good. Not necessarily fun, pleasant, or a walk down easy street, but good nonetheless. Since He is good, what He gives me to do is also good. This means I must regard as blessings the particular things that come from my callings.”- Rev. Jeffrey Leininger
“All this He does only out of fatherly divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.”- Small Catechism, First Article
Rev. Jeffrey Leininger concludes Chapter 5 of Callings for Life as he talks about the blessings and burdens inherent in any calling. For example, when you understand your calling as God-given, your burdens become bearable. Because God’s the one placing those burdens on you. The author goes on to explain:
“This means that the burdens are good. God is at work in them shaping us, disciplining us, and ultimately drawing us closer to Him. These are also, therefore, burdens we willingly and joyfully bear because they are from His hand (emphasis Jeffrey’s).”
Certainly, nothing we encounter in life comes stress-free or conflict-free: workplace, school, church, family. Above all, Christians recognize this reality. As a result, Rev. Leininger observes, they remain self-reflective and repent of their shortcomings. Furthermore, Christians seek to receive others’ shortcomings and sins with grace.
In conclusion, Rev. Leininger cites this passage from Isaiah 43:1-3. Isaiah wrote:
“But now, says the LORD, He who formed you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior.”
Today’s question: Where do you most sense the heart of God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Acquainted with the downward spiral?”
