| From Troubled Heart to God's Glory (John 12:27-30) |
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When we're facing difficult times and have a troubled heart, what do we generally think about or focus on. One, we may focus on ourselves wondering why this had to happen to us or thinking about whether or not the circumstance was fair. Two, we may focus on the circumstance itself thinking about how big or bad the problem is. Or, we may simply fall into despair because we don't understand or see any possible successful solution to the issue.
Jesus was faced with this scenario: 27 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. 30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. John 12:27-30 NIV
Notice how he responded. Should he cry to be saved? Isn't this our first thought? No, he faced his circumstance and asked for God to be glorified in it. He accepted God's purpose for him regardless of the pain and suffering he would endure. Jesus' was on earth to bring God glory by being redemption for man. As he called for his Father to be glorified, he was accepting his purpose to be our Redeemer, our Savior. God responded so that all could hear. God responded not by saving Jesus from the circumstance he faced, but by proclaiming that Jesus' had and would glorify God by being obedient. Jesus says this was for our benefit. From this, we know that Christ put the glory of God first. We are expected to do the same.
10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
God has determined our steps. Our purpose is to seek him and to find him. As we accept his Son and live for him, we bring him glory.
26 ... [God] determined the times set for [man] and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' ... Acts 17:26-28 NIV
"In HIM, we live and move and have our being." When you encounter pain or difficulty in your life, learn to trust God and ask Him to glorify His name. It doesn't mean that it won't hurt, or that we won't be sad. It does mean that in so doing, we'll be seeking to fulfill our purpose of glorifying God. And, those who witness our response will see God on display in our lives. Maybe we'll have the opportunity to share with them. And, maybe they will reach out for him and find him.
God bless. |
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