"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8
You know, I was thinking about how the element of water is frozen and turned to ice. It occurred to me that the purpose of “ice” is somewhat similar to our purpose on earth. See, ice was created to bring a more refreshed feeling to all that consumes it. This is done in two forms: Cube or Crushed.
If an ice cube were to have feelings, would it be ok with being crushed to fulfill its purpose? I’d say no. I certainly would not want to be crushed to fulfill my purpose. Would you? I think not (in the natural mind). The process of being broken down hurts. See, our purpose is similar to that of ice as we are here to help refresh the lives of those around us, by sharing the Love of God and Gospel of Jesus Christ. What comes with the responsibility of fulfilling such a task is the reality of being hard pressed, persecuted, troubled or cast down. Or, crushed like ice.
Since we are doing God’s work, there is an adversary that is looking to crush our hope in Jesus and cause pain, distraction, fear and doubt into our lives. God allows this so that we can fully rely on Him for protection, comfort, strength and guidance. God allows us to experience these trials so that our lives can be transformed to the point where He is living through us, instead of us living through ourselves. Philippians 1:6 says, “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Jesus was a carpenter. Therefore, He has mastered the art of reconstruction (after the crushing). The book of James tells us why these trials will help fulfill our puropse:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
He has a plan for you and is working in, and through, you each day so that His plan comes to fruition. We are called to bear the fruit of the Spirit (LOVE, JOY, PEACE, FORBEARANCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL) to all who God gives us. This process, however, takes time and can ONLY be reached once we are broken. Once crushed, God can rebuild us with His gifts and fruits so that we can be complete and lack nothing. This allows us to FULLY fulfill His will in our lives. Isn’t it funny how the word fruit can be found in the word FRUITion?!
Fruition (noun) is defined as attainment of anything desired; realization or accomplishment.
If you feel like you are being crushed today, try your best to consider it pure joy as God is working to accomplish what He started in you. Despite this process, the very purpose for which you were created WILL still be carried out!!! If the ice is crushed, it will still serve the same purpose, to refresh someone's life. If the enemy is bringing trials upon you, then you must be doing something right, in the eyes of God. Therefore take joy in it and give it to God as you are fulfilling His plan for your life. Don't get me wrong, God’s plan for your life isn’t to live in pain, sadness or fear but to cast all your care on Him so that He can use you for His intended purpose. Although we may not like this process of being broken, seek God’s love, knowledge and wisdom (by reading His word) so that we can fully understand the reason for it. Our responsibility to refresh the lives of others will require crushing in our own lives. Jesus was the example for how we are to live on earth and He faced every trial or temptation that we will ever face. In fact, He allowed Himself to be crushed in order to give us hope that these obstacles will not be experienced in vain. So, as you experience this pain that stirs up within you, look up and smile, for God is doing a work in you that you can't even fathom. Just stay close to Him and He will reveal all that you need to know.
We are called to do God's will in our lives. For us to be true representatives of Him, we must be made whole. Don’t misunderstand me about being broken, IT IS BY BEING CRUSHED, WHERE YOU ARE BEING MADE WHOLE. The mission of Christ wasn't fulfilled until He died on the cross as His body was broken. John 19:30 says, "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
Side note: God has a sense of humor considering how, as I’m writing this, Ice Cube’s “Today was a Good Day” (edited version) started to play in my computer!!! The funny thing is that today was a GREAT day for me, due to my Father’s faithfulness to His word. I pray that this word that He put on my heart can refresh you while on your journey, as it has done to me.
Peace 2 U,
His Messenger
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