I work with a non-profit organisation that works with "at risk" youth in our local community. We have grown form a small two man operation to an organisation that employs nine people. Part of our role on the Board is developing our structual and governance capabilities to match our growth. This is loosely called capacity building.
I believe God is very interested in building our inner capacity or - as in my last blog - expanding our tents (Isaiah 54:2-3). This not a one dimensional process that is all natural or all spiritual. It is said the spiritual reflects the natural, so God uses all facets of our lives. Life's trials are the perfect ground for extending the fabric of our tents both spiritually and in character. Trevor Yaxley from Lifeway Bible College always says "Don't ever waste a good trial!"
The trials of everyday life: financially, relationally and spiritually test our ability to correctly interpret and apply the Word of God. Proverbs 7:1 states "My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you". This simple obedience results in the development of hope and faith. As Proverbs suggests with "line upon line, row upon row, precept upon precept". We get better slowly as we persist with the love and support of others.
God expands our tents through other wonderfully self inflicted things like diets and exercise regimes (both of which I am attempting at the minute!) These trials teach things like resilience, consistency, how to overcome yourself, especially in your flesh . This can be useful when dealing with temptation knowing that this need or urge shall pass, like hunger pangs and physical pain of exercise.
We grow stronger, when our internal capacity is built!!
Paul
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