It Doesn’t Matter

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:8-11

We, you and I, face problems, and as hard as it is to accept, it doesn’t matter.  It doesn’t matter how long you've been living in grace, by faith, and it doesn’t matter what and how much you've learned about life, there is going to be some suffering and a few setbacks. It doesn’t matter how good your plans were, things don't always turn out the way you expected. Life can be a discouragement—but, it doesn’t matter.

When discouraging times are happening in your life, remember, setbacks are temporary. There is a spiritual war, making persecution and problems occur, but you will be blessed in this life and forever more, no matter what (Matt 5:11).  Although you live in this present world, if Christ is in you, you’ll overcome whatever you are up against (2 Cor 10:3-7)—a battle may be lost along your journey; but, you have hope and the power of God’s Holy Spirit to withstand all that that is against you—the spiritual war is won by Christ, and those who are in Christ.  So, get up from the dust, a little dirt just doesn’t matter, and go at life again.

You may not understand, and I can’t help but chuckle when I say, “That doesn’t matter.”  You do your best when focused on Christ and attentive to the counsel of the Holy Spirit—Christ sends believers to help you, receive them, and of pray, pray often, pray intently as you become still to hear the whisper of God’s will. 

God’s dream for us may not always be clear, I know, I wrestle daily with questions.  God has given me a dream, but it seems I keep losing a battle here and there, but like a dummy I don’t dance with joy in the little victories I have and the moments of clarity God gives me—I focus on the problems, that which doesn’t matter.  I think of Joseph, who had a dream, but didn’t realize it would cost him a life of loneliness, heartache, slavery, prison, and a struggle to step into the position that would, in turn, manifest God’s dream for him (Gen 37, 39-50).  As you are doing what Christ has planned for you (Jer 29:11), and God’s dream comes true, well, what seemed to be defeating you, doesn’t matter any more.     

What matters?  Christ and his dream fulfilled in you matters—He gives you hope; your Christ focused desires and daily needs.  Seek Him; there are plans for you that matter

 Owen <><