Navigating the Minefields of Life

^"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." 

(1 Corinthians 10:12)

There is a strong tendency in the Christian life to become complacent in the areas of life where things seem to be going well. As we grow complacent, spiritual pride can easily creep into our hearts.  If we become too comfortable and overly confident, we will stop relying on the Lord. As our prayer life continues to wane, we begin walking through the minefields of this fallen world unguarded and alone. We forget to put on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). One wrong step spells disaster. Only God knows where those mines have been placed, yet we foolishly move forward without asking Him to direct each and every step. (Proverbs 20:24)
 

Source: Wiki

One doesn't need to study the Gospels long to note the stark contrast between the way Jesus responded to the worst of sinners and the self-righteous pharisees.  He extended love and grace to repentant tax collectors and adulterers (Luke 18: 9-14) while harshly rebuking the scribes and pharisees (Matthew 23, John 8).  Truly it is better to be a humble, forgiven sinner like the woman who anointed Jesus with alabaster and washed his feet with her tears and her hair than a white-washed religious authority who looks clean on the outside but is stuffed with empty spiritual pride on the inside. (Luke 7:36-38)

So when trials come, as we are promised they will (John 16:33, James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 4:12, Acts 14:22), let us rejoice. Those trials have a purpose.  Trials refine us and give us perseverance. Trials also have a way of knocking us off of our pedestals of pride and down to our knees were we belong.  Even when the trials are a result of our own selfish pride, willful rebellion, and wrong choices, God redeems them for His glory. He allows them to teach us, humble us, guide us, and revive us. The only way to walk through this life is steadfastly and completely dependent upon God. 

So let us praise Him for every tribulation that drives us to our knees and keeps us clinging to the Father, asking Him to direct every step we take through this minefield of earthly life and into His everlasting kingdom. As we rest in the protective shadow of His love, we will bear up under the trials and temptations, finding the way of escape He is faithful to provide.

" No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)