It is a choice we all have to make on a regular basis, when dealing with temptation and daily circumstances. In the case of disappointment and physical pain, it is more challenging and much more difficult because it is part of us and so constant. It is a choice we must make, nonetheless.
Jesus Christ lives in us. Holy Spirit empowers us. Ephesians 3:17-21 gives the assurance we need to make such a difficult choice.
- We can be strengthened with supernatural might by Holy Spirit in the inner-man.
- Jesus Christ dwells in us and anchors our life in the love of God. His care for us and firm resolve for our best is always at the center of His heart.
- Our life is filled with all the fullness of God, no matter what we suffer physically or emotionally.
- He will do exceedingly above all we could ask or even think.
Therefore, I can choose joy over pain. I can choose to walk past disappointment into a future filled with hope and assurance.
Holy Spirit fills my life with the supernatural power of almighty God. My pain and my disappointment do not weaken or diminish the scope of His power in me. My faith and my choice are the only factors regulating the measure of His power and influence in my life.
When the truth of these verses filled my mind and my heart, I embraced the reality of Holy Spirit influence in my life. I chose love, joy and peace over my pain-filled days.
It was not easy. It was “painfully” difficult at first, and would only last for about an hour or two. But, as I built those spiritual muscles and discovered how very personal and real Holy Spirit is in my life, He gained greater and greater influence over my mind and my emotions.
It did not lessen the pain or change the reality of how that accident on Christmas Eve impacted my life and my family.
But it has transformed my days.
Depression no longer clouds my mind. Pain no longer dictates the quality of my life. Love, joy and peace from Holy Spirit fill my emotions, control my thinking and rule my tongue.
Oh, I still have to make the choice on a daily basis. It is not a one-time choice for a lifetime.
While it is initiated with a single choice to no longer allow disappointment and pain to rule your life, it must be a choice you make daily. Sometimes it is an hour-by-hour choice to live by Holy Spirit influence over your thoughts and over your emotions, so that physical pain or past memory are not in control.
The reality of the apostle Peter’s exhortation has deepened in my life over the years. I don’t know if one can fully grasp the measure of truth revealed in his words until we have allowed Holy Spirit to walk us through deep disappointment and severe pain. I pray the depth of his words become very real for you, as well.
“But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, so that you may rejoice and be glad also in the revelation of His glory” (1 Pet. 4:13 MEV).
Dr. F. Dean Hackett has served in full-time Christian ministry since October 1971. He has ministered throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, serving as pastor, conference speaker and mentor. He has planted four churches, assisted in planting 15 others, and currently serves as lead pastor of Living Faith Church in Hermiston, Oregon. Dr. Hackett founded Spirit Life Ministries International in 2001 to facilitate ministries in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to open a training center for workers in those nations. You can find him at F. Dean Hackett – Foundational, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
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