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Have you ever wrestled an angry octopus? Okay, I haven't either. But I imagine it's similar to trying to change the diaper, brush the teeth, or trim the fingernails of a toddler who doesn't want to sit still. These things aren't only good for a child, they're necessary for safety and good health. As parents, we're trying to help by doing them, even if the toddler doesn't understand it.
It reminds me a lot of God. He sends or allows many things in our lives that we would rather avoid! Often, we fight what's good for us, much like toddlers. But God knows these situations, circumstances, and challenges are for our good. He's trying to help us with the ultimate goal in life—not momentary happiness and comfort, but holiness.
One of our pastors said something that has stuck with me. He asked if we are being active participants in our own sanctification. Everything that happens to us, even and especially the things we'd prefer not to go through, can make us more like Jesus. How often do we fight against this, though, rather than allowing God to use it to shape us?
In 1 Peter 1:6-7, Peter writes, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
We're so valuable to God, so loved by Him, that He wants to help our faith grow. We can welcome these trials and challenges for a little while, or we can fight like an angry octopus. Are there any areas of your life where you're fighting God or failing to let Him change you, or where He's trying to sanctify you but you're an unwilling participant? How can you reframe your perspective to see a loving parent trying to help you?
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