Position of Shifting

Position of Shifting

Shift, a word we hear used in many sectors. Shift in the atmosphere, paradigm shift, shift gears, shift this, shift that, just shift.  Shift is definitely change. It can be geographical, mental, occupation, personal friendships/relationships, etc. Whatever the case, it requires attention and acceptance. We must accept the shift which can make it a smooth transition, but does not guarantee smoothness. 

There may be some hard things that come with the shift. If you accept and see the shift through the reward shall be great.  The position of shifting takes place when the heart, mind, and soul aligns with the demands and the requirements of the shift. Gird up your loins, be strong and position yourself to shift. 

Pain

I can remember preaching a message entitled “There is Purpose in Pain”.  There’s a song from my childhood called No Pain No Gain. Pain serves as an eye-opener. Many view pain as the enemy, but it can catapult us to places we’ve never been before. Pain can change our way of thinking and allow us to re-position ourselves.

The question proposed, “What do you see as the role of pain in character development and spiritual formation” prompted me to think of David. David came to a place in his life where he understood pain. He saw pain’s benefits and was determine to endure and embrace the pain life presented. Psalm 1119:71, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes”. It is my belief he arrived at this conclusion after going through trials and tribulation. David was known as a man after God’s heart.  We gain wisdom, experience, and insight as we embrace pain and realize there is a purpose.

I remember a time I thought I was losing my mind. I felt like I would not make it, but God. The Lord brought me out of this place and truly placed me on a rock. I’ve experienced many difficult times, but I can think back to when God brought me through. My initial understanding of pain came through my own pain and the Lord placing the following scripture in my heart. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.” This has been a spiritual nugget for me in times of distress, pain, and afflictions.

Genesis 21:26, “Then he said, "Let me go, for the day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me."