• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Bible Reflection Not what I would choose

Not what I would choose

Posted on January 5, 2011 Written by Mark McIntyre 4 Comments


RomeIn Acts 19:21, Paul expresses a desire to go to Rome as part of his missionary efforts. Paul did eventually get to Rome but it is unlikely that he envisioned that he would enter Rome as a prisoner of the state and remain there under house arrest.

In the Epistles that Paul wrote while in prison in Rome, there is not one hint of self pity, nor of antipathy for the authorities in Rome. Paul had a strong sense of being right where God wanted him and his contentment with this is evident in his writings.

Perhaps the secret to contentment is in accepting the fact that my limited knowledge and wisdom do not allow me to always understand what is best for me. If the giants of the faith went through difficulties, I should not expect that I will be exempt. The difficulties are allowed by God for His purposes and by accepting them as being ordained by Him, I can then participate in the unfolding of God’s plan, for myself and for humanity.

While I cannot articulate it very well, I feel there is something more here than mere resignation to the fact that problems will happen. We are enjoined to rejoice while going through suffering. This goes beyond acceptance into participation with God in the difficulty.

In retrospect, I can see that the difficult bits of my life have been used by God to change me for the better. They have also have allowed me to be put into a better position to be used by Him for His glory.

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promises to be with each of us, no matter what it is that he takes us through. Therefore, I can rest in the fact that I am not alone in any difficulty. In addition, I can be assured that there will be a day when there will be no more difficulties. What a glorious day that will be, but until then I will choose to learn to rejoice in the midst of trials.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection Tagged With: Choice

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

I have the opportunity to go to Istanbul, Turkey this summer to minister to Syrian refugees. If you would like more details about this trip, please use this link Mark McIntyre - Istanbul, Turkey Please note that this trip is fully funded, but I would appreciate your continued prayer. The trip will take place June 27 - July 6, 2025.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

Self-righteousness and fear

“When I feel self-righteous, it means I’m afraid. It’s a way to puff up and protect myself when I’m afraid of being wrong, making someone angry, or getting blamed.” Brené Brown in Daring Greatly Fear is a strong motivator. Unfortunately, it often motivates us to behavior that is either wrong or unhelpful. As I listened […]

Mirror

Righteousness before men

When we encounter a lack of grace and acceptance, it really hurts. The first time someone gets slammed for their honesty is perhaps the last time honesty is practiced. If grace is not a part of the group culture, then superficiality will rule the day.

Edwards on the true work of God

When I attend church on Sunday, I should leave the worship service more focused on God, who is to be the tangible subject of the preaching, rather than being impressed with the skill of the preacher and how he held my attention.

Mercy

Muddy Waters, Mercy and the Fifth Beatitude

The fifth Beatitude tells us that those who are merciful will receive mercy. At first reading this sounds right to us. If you do good to others they will do good to you. It seem natural, like the popular concept of karma. Yet we see that this does not always hold true. How then should we understand this Beatitude?

Sammy

Thoughts on death prompted by my dog

I understand that the decline and death of a dog is not a major event in the larger scheme of things. But, our 10 year old golden retriever is having health issues and it is difficult to watch. Compared to the loss of a spouse, parent, sibling or child, this is a very small hurt, but a real one none-the-less.

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
July 2025
SMTWTFS
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031 
« Jun    

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2025 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in