In Training

Scriptures: ”And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29)

The other day, when I as shopping in a supermarket for food, I heard a little girl from behind me asking her mom, “Mom, do we need apples?” “No, honey! We still have some at home.” Replied her Mom. In a few seconds, she asked again, “Mom, should we buy some potatoes?” “Yes!” was the reply. “How many?” she asked again, “is two enough?” “We need four, honey!” Her mom replied. Then, I saw the girl happily picking up four potatoes from the stand and put them into the little cart she was pushing which had a small flag saying “Customer In Training”.

I couldn’t help smiling at such a scene. It fit perfectly with what was going on then. The little girl was obviously very interested in doing exactly what her mom was doing, shopping for food. More than that, she knew exactly where to go to for answers for all her questions. I truly think the customer training program was working for her.

This reminded me of our Christian life. Though comes with troubles and challenges, Bible says that, in our lives, “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) The Apostle Paul said that our lives, as the children of God, are not without purposes. By relationship, we are the ones who love Him, our Father in Heaven. By ministry, we were called with a purpose.

More than these, Paul said that, in everything that happens to us, God intends them to work for our good. The best part that will come out of it is that we will be transformed to conform to the likeness of our Lord Jesus. Such is a wonderful promise for everyone who labor to attain it.

Yes, at the same time, there are so many of us, including ourselves, that constantly struggle with our daily chores, relationship issues, and all kinds of work / ministry related problems. We often set goals in everything we do for ourselves and, if not able to achieve the goals we set, we would become disappointed and even discouraged.

We often forgot that this life is a process in the hands of our Lord to train and transform us to be in His likeness. It’s a training program. As such, each incidence or event in our lives is there for a reason, to make us a better child of God and a better bearer of the image of Christ our Lord.

The little girl paid attention to the way her Mom does shopping. She probably also knew the kind of food is needed at home. But, I think the most important lesson I learned from her is that she knew who to turn to for questions and answers. If only we know the importance of spending more time with our Lord and Master, we can also learn from Him the things essential to a mature heavenly life through our daily walk with Him. If only we see that each of us is a trainee in a Saint In Training program, I am sure we will be a lot more capable of loving others unconditionally, as our Lord Jesus does to us!

Hopefully, on the day of graduation from this Saint In Training program, our Lord Jesus will say to each of us, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)

Prayer Requests:
For those tired and weary of serving in His ministries

Prayer:

Our loving Father, thank You for the blessings of knowing and serving You! Please help us to see that all things in our lives are more than blessings. They are opportunities to know You better and to grow more Christ-like. Help us to make the best use of every circumstance to learn from You and to glorify You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!